Brent Lee Bergstrom, age 64, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 15th 2026 after a courageous battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of his family.

Brent was born on June 12, 1961, in Ortonville, Minnesota, to Betty and Darwin Bergstrom. The third of four boys, he was raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where his lifelong love of the outdoors first took root. He went on to earn a degree in Police Science and Natural Resources, combining his passions for service, conservation, and craftsmanship.

On January 7, 1983, Brent met the love of his life, Suzy, at a wedding where she was a bridesmaid. After several years of long-distance devotion, they married three and a half years later and built a life defined by partnership, adventure, and unwavering love. Nearly 40 years of marriage, a milestone they would have celebrated this July, stands as a testament to a bond that was the center of Brent's world. To Brent, Suzy was not just his wife; she was his constant companion, his greatest joy, and the love of his life.

Brent began his career with the Land Conservation Department in Darlington, Wisconsin, before accepting a position with Sauk County just one year later, a place where he would spend the remainder of his distinguished career. Brent dedicated his professional life to protecting natural resources and improving water quality throughout the county. His leadership and impact were recognized when he was named Land Conservation Employee of the Year and selected to participate in the Rural Leadership Program. Brent did not simply do his job, he made a lasting difference in the community he loved.

Together, Brent and Sue raised their two daughters, Lyssa and Bethany, in Wisconsin Dells. Brent was a deeply devoted and hands-on father. He taught both girls how to play the trumpet, helped them train their beloved dogs Spirit and Casper, and supported them wholeheartedly in music and sports. Their many accomplishments reflected not only their own dedication, but the steady encouragement and guidance of their dad. Brent shared a special love of tennis and softball with Lyssa, while Bethany became his trusted partner in fishing trips that eventually grew into cherished hunting adventures.

A man of many talents, Brent was also a gifted artist. He painted beautiful murals in his home, his children's homes, and even at the local public library, leaving behind lasting pieces of himself in the places his family gathers. His creativity extended into many forms, including taxidermy and, most recently, the intricate carving of wooden birds.

Brent was an avid hunter who especially loved turkey and deer season, finding peace and connection in the quiet of the woods. That same sense of wonder followed him into winter, when one of his favorite traditions was crafting snow animals. A joy he continued to share with his grandchildren, creating magical memories that will live on for generations.

Family was at the center of Brent's life. He loved camping, exploring the Badlands in search of fossilized remains, and traveling with Sue to Wisconsin State Parks and national parks across the country. Owning land had always been their dream, and they eventually found their perfect place in the country, a home they built and treasured together for ten beautiful years. Following retirement, Brent and Sue fulfilled a lifelong dream trip to Alaska and hoped to visit every national park together. Though time did not allow for all the journeys they envisioned, they created unforgettable memories including a meaningful trip to Ireland shortly after Brent's diagnosis, choosing adventure and togetherness even in the face of uncertainty.

Brent's greatest joy was being "Grandpa." He adored his six grandchildren — Lily, Amelia, Grace, Zoey, Phoebe, and Joshua — and found endless happiness in sharing the wonders of nature with them. Whether walking to the pond to catch frogs, searching for bones, spotting snakes and bugs, reading stories together, putting puzzles together on the floor, or playing disc golf on his homemade course. Brent created moments his grandchildren will carry with them forever.

Brent is survived by his loving wife, Suzy; his daughters, Lyssa (Christian) Leege and Bethany (Ryan) Selvik; his cherished grandchildren; his father, Darwin Bergstrom; his brothers, Rick (Dawn) Bergstrom, Doug (Ellie) Bergstrom, and Mark (Jerry) Bergstrom; his parents-in-law, Dorothy and Bob Kurth; nieces, nephews and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Bergstrom, and his brother-in-law, Jim Benzel.

Per Brent's wishes, no formal service will be held. A celebration of his life will take place this summer.

Brent will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, respected conservationist, talented artist. His legacy lives on in the land he helped protect, the art he created, the traditions he passed down, and the family he loved beyond measure.