Alf H. Bergan, age 87, of Watertown, South Dakota passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at a Watertown care center. Funeral services were Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at the Grace Lutheran Church.

Granddaughters Kristi Noem and Cindy Grantham were vocalists accompanied by Marcia Jelsma. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Watertown, South Dakota.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Rock and Robb Arnold, and grandsons-in-law, Wesley Grantham, Bryon Noem, Scott Hovland, Cody Schulz and Carter Silvernail.

Alf H. Bergan was born on October 17, 1921 to Torsten and Bertha (Ness) Bergan in Dexter Township, Codington County, South Dakota. He grew up in Dexter Township where he attended school, and graduated from Florence High School. He worked at the hatchery for a short time in Florence.

He married Dorris K. Randgaard on August 31, 1947 in the Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, South Dakota. After moving to Watertown, Alf was a partner in the Johnson Texaco Station for several years. In the early 1960's, he owned a commercial cattle spraying business and ground-based crop spraying business and was later employed as a Rural Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service until his retirement after 20+ years. His wife, Dorris, passed away on March 18, 2005. A lesser known fact was that in his early married years, Alf was a successful softball coach. He guided his ladies' team to a state tournament.

Alf was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday School for many years, served multiple terms on the church council, and participated in several committees and on many church boards. Alf's first love was his family. There was nothing that gave him more joy than spending time with his children and their families. The pride of his life, in his retirement years, was his seven grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Visits from any of them and family picnics were the highlight of his days. Alf and Dorris hosted biannual Bergan Family Reunions at their home for over 40 years. Their home was also the site for many Randgaard reunions.

If there was a signature event associated with Alf's life, it would be the sport of croquet. This gentlemen's sport gained popularity with family, friends, and his wife. Over the years, nearly 40 invitational croquet tournaments were held at Alf's home. His love for the out of doors was not limited to croquet. He was an avid sportsman and hunter for many years, passing that love on to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Alf will miss his close association with Randy, Mike, Scott, Tom, Matt, and Andy, hunters from Minneapolis, whose annual visits to his home spanned 15 years – with many more to come.

Alf was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorris; his son-in-law, Ron Arnold; one sister, Marie Sikkink; and five brothers, Norman, Carl, Harry, Robert and Howard Bergan.

He is survived by his daughter, Corinne Arnold of Watertown; his son, Ron (Carol) Bergan of Watertown; his brother, Tom Bergan of Watertown; two sisters, Mildred Stee and Ardis (Zirbel) Sweezo of Watertown; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bergan of Watertown, and Kaye Bergan of Minneapolis, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

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Lindalee provided links to parents. 11-23-2016