Robert Owen Bergner was born June 1, 1938 to Pete and Goldie Bergner in Waynoka, OK. He passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2023 in Caldwell, KS.
Robert attended Dacoma, OK schools until it closed and then attended Waynoka High School graduating in the class of 1956.
Robert had aspirations for a career as a pilot; however, after a flight to Hutchison, KS in a small plane experiencing lots of turbulence he stated, “I am never flying again.” Unfortunately, he did have to fly again as he was drafted into the Army September 1, 1960. He reported to Fort Hood, TX where he was trained as a radio transmission technician. Robert served his last 5 months of service in Germany and was Honorably Discharged April of 1962. He then entered the Army Reserves and was Honorably Discharged on August 31, 1966
Robert married Vickie Ann Long July 21, 1963. Their parents were friends enjoying many dinners and game nights at each others homes. Robert and Vickie knew each other because of the parents friendship; however, Vickie stated that Robert always had his nose in comic books, so the spark hadn’t happened yet. Robert didn’t know he was starting the spark when after hearing the news of Vickie’s dad passing he sent the family a condolence letter. Vickie appreciated the courtesy and began writing him letters while he was in the service. The rest is history as they say.
Robert had a career as a TV repairman for over 30 years working at Dons TV and repair in Wichita, owning his own TV repair business, Bergner TV, in Buffalo, OK and then moving to Kremlin, OK in 1983 and ending his repairmen career at Magnavox in Enid, OK. Waiting on Vickie to retire he took a part time job at United Grocery store in Enid, OK retiring in 2000. They resided in Kremlin nearly 40 years moving to Caldwell in May of 2021 to be closer to Daniel and Trilby due to health challenges.
One of Robert’s proudest moments was becoming a father to John Douglas Bergner as they adopted their son when he was 3 days old. They then adopted Vickie’s niece Trilby Long Schmidt when she was 14 years old.
He took pride in being a grandpa to Trower, Eric, Andrew, Kyle, Ben, Abi and Luke as well as being a great grandpa to Madi, David, Trower Jr., Bella and Everleigh. He also enjoyed relationships with many relatives.
Robert enjoyed growing up on a farm and working in his parents grocery store. He enjoyed tinkering and was never in a hurry to do anything. He will be missed.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Bergner, son, John Douglas Bergner, his parents, Pete and Goldie (Curtis) Bergner, his brother, Lorace Lee and his sister Anna Mae Unruh.
Robert is survived by his daughter Trilby Long Schmidt (Daniel) Schmidt of Caldwell, KS, a sister and brother-in-law Johnece Long Wilson (Don) Wilson of Hunter, Ok and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell, Kansas. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Lone Star Cemetery, Cheyenne Valley, Oklahoma.
Memorials may be made to the Waynoka High School Alumni Association, 2134 S. Lincoln St., Waynoka, OK 73860 or to the Parkinson's Foundation 200 SE 1st St. Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 and sent in care of the mortuary.
