Dr. John Joseph Bergquist's Obituary
Dr. John Joseph Bergquist, 80, of Bethany Beach, DE, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, DE. He was born June 6, 1930 in Melrose, Iowa, son of the late Albin and Lucille (Morrison) Bergquist.
Dr. Bergquist and his wife Mary relocated to the beach 1997 from Baltimore, MD where they were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Texas, MD. As residents of Bethany Beach, they are members of St. Ann's Catholic Church. Dr. Bergquist graduated in 1954 from the University of Iowa (UI) Dental School and started a private practice in Ottumwa, IA. He returned to the UI and received an advanced degree in Periodontology; he then taught at UI until 1973 when the family moved to Maryland. Dr. Bergquist was a Professor and Chair of the Periodontology Department at the University of Maryland until his retirement in 1997. Dr. Bergquist was active with numerous dental organizations and served on the State Board of Periodontology where he was a former Chairman of the Board.
Dr. Bergquist served his country with the U.S. Air Force and was a member of VFW Mason-Dixon Post 7234 (Quillen's Point).
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary (Fitzgerald) Bergquist; two sons: John Bergquist and wife Karen of Bonita Springs, FL and Rev, Patrick Bergquist of Fairbanks, AK; 5 daughters: Dr. Leslie Roeder and husband Eric of Houston, TX, Katy Bergquist and husband Wayne Bennet of South Freeport ME, Beth Wiegmann and husband Brian of Apex, NC, Sue Thoresen and husband Jim of Glastonbury, CT, Emily Bergquist and husband Scot of Salisbury, MD; 10 grandchildren; and a sister Ann Redmond and husband Dick of San Jose, CA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dr. J. William “Bill” Bergquist.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 21, 10:00 AM, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 35318 Church Road, Frankford, DE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro, DE. Friends may call on Friday, August 20, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville Chapel, 34874 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please sign the online guestbook and read the full obituary at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com
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