John "Jack" Bergmann

Jack Bergmann, 77, of Charlevoix died peacefully at his home in Ironton on Wednesday, April 29, following a seven month battle with cancer and liver disease. He lived a purpose driven life that included family, career, friends, sports, travel, and belief in God. He shared his many talents and skills with local organizations and projects. As a student and 1967 graduate of Charlevoix High School he was a lifelong supporter of the Charlevoix Rayders. He played both basketball and football as a Rayder and was recruited and played basketball at Michigan Tech. He was also an avid golfer and loved the courses in The Charlevoix area and southern Wisconsin. 

Jack was the sixth of seven children born to Frederick and Agnes (Rose) Tegerdine Bergmann. His first job was at age 10 as a paper boy on the north side of Charlevoix. He could tell you where almost everyone lived during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s on the north side. While in high school, he worked as a dock hand at Bellinger Marine and as a farm assistant on Shanahan’s farm. He said he always knew that he wanted to be an engineer and reached that goal by attending and graduating from Michigan Tech University in 1971 as a Civil engineer. He designed electrical substations for Ohio Edison from 1971 to 1976 and then moved to Lake Forest, Illinois, to work for Abbott Labs as a structural engineer for their production buildings in Illinois, Puerto Rico, Germany, Ireland, and England. He received an MBA from DePaul University in 1989. 

In 1970 he married his neighbor from Division Street, Sherrel Pearsall. In 1983 and 1986 Jack’s boys were born which became his major purpose in life. Jack and Sherrel have lived in Ohio, Illinois, and after 30 years, retired in Ironton in 2001. They spent many summers at their cottage in Pickerel, Wisconsin entertaining relatives, friends, and their boy’s friends. With retirement came the opportunity to travel the world and Jack and Sherrel became regular cruisers. His favorite cruise was around South America through the Straits of Magellan. He was an avid photographer, hunter, fisherman, camper, sports fan, and grandchild spoiler. He felt that he lived a full life surrounded with love and purpose and experiences that enriched him. His t ime with the Congregational church groups helped him enrich his relationship with God. He tried to live by the Golden Rule and the teachings of Jesus. 

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sherrel; his sons Andrew of East Jordan, and his son Ben (Savannah} of Charlevoix; grandchildren Toby Hitsman of Onaway, Alaina of East Jordan, Sloane of Charlevoix, and Blair of Charlevoix; brothers Doug and Kenn(Sue) and sister, Lois Michelin; sister in law Sheryl (Charles) Bergmann and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational UCC, 101 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com