Ward Conley Bergene, 89 of rural Adams, Minn., died at his home on March 13, 2018.

Ward was born during a blizzard on April 14, 1928, in Austin, Minn., to Oscar and Adella (Sampson) Bergene. He graduated from Adams High School where he was the star of the basketball team, and he was known as “Big Red.” After high school, he attended Luther College for one year majoring in physical education. He served in the U.S. Army Military Police and was stationed in Korea and Japan for 16 months. On June 19, 1955, Ward married Lois Huemoeller at the Hayward Lutheran Church.

He was a member of Little Cedar Lutheran Church and served on the church council, he served as a Commander of the Adams American Legion, was a member of the Adams Rural Fire Department and served on the Board of Directors at St. Mark’s Care Center.

Ward worked for several years as a milkman with Huseby Dairy and later as a security guard for Hormel, but he was first and foremost, a proud farmer. He also was a driver and part of the road crew for the Hormel Girls Drum and Bugle Corp. In his spare time, Ward loved to hunt, fish and golf at Cedar River Golf Course.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Adella; granddaughter, Tegan Christopherson; sister, Janet Bergene; sister-in-law, Mavis Bergene; and brother-in-law, Con Sletta.

Ward is survived by his wife: Lois Bergene, Adams, Minn.; children: Bradley Bergene, Tucson, Ariz.; Brian (Teresa) Bergene, Rose Creek, Minn.; Bruce (Mary) Bergene, Elkton, Minn.; Bettina (Allan) Christopherson, St. Michael, Minn.; Brett (Sherri) Bergene, St. Paul, Minn.; and Bryce Bergene, Elkton, Minn.; 12 grandchildren: Nathan Bergene, Shawna Klaehn, Clinton Bergene, Daniel Bergene, Aric Bergene, Tyler Bergene, Brandon Bergene, Colton Christopherson, Hannah Bergene, Hallie Bergene, Henry Bergene, Hogan Bergene; three great grandchildren: Aiden Klaehn, Kelson Klaehn, Charlie Bergene; brother: Virgil Bergene, Adams, Minn.; sister: Jane Sletta, Mankato, Minn.; sisters-in-law: Bonnie Kermes, Owatonna, Minn.; Alice Huemoeller, Shoreview Minn.; Pat Huemoeller, St. Paul, Minn.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held March 19th at Little Cedar Lutheran Church with the Reverend Jeremy Johnson officiating. Military honors were performed by the Adams American Legion Post #146.

Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.