Lou Ann (Lindstrom) Bergen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away September 4, 2018, at Presbyterian Manor in Salina. She was 88 years old.

Born in Marquette, KS, on November 25, 1929, she graduated from Marquette High School and then attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, graduating in 1952 with a degree in English and theatre. It was there that she met her husband, Richard, whom she married on June 3, 1953. They celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.

After college, Lou Ann taught in the public schools in Minneapolis, KS, and then in Salina at North Junior High School in the 1950s. After her children were born, she returned to education in 1966 as librarian at South Junior High School, later earning a master’s degree in library science from Kansas State University in 1983.

A lifelong learner who loved books, she was a frequent patron of the Salina Public Library who especially enjoyed reading mystery novels. She was also active in the Salina Community Theatre as an actor and patron. Lou Ann was an accomplished weaver and needlepoint artist. As the granddaughter of Swedish homesteaders, she delighted in her family’s heritage, organizing and attending the annual Sjogren family reunion in Marquette and offering blessings before meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas in Swedish.

Lou Ann is survived by her husband, Richard, of Salina, her daughter, Lori Bergen (Charles Mangano) of Boulder, CO; her son, Rich Bergen (Lynda Buehre) of Salina, a brother, James M. Lindstrom, of Julian, CA, and grandchildren John Bergen Kamerer of Wichita, and Anna Bergen Kamerer of Brooklyn, NY.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Edna (Carlson) Lindstrom of Marquette.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, September 14, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salina, followed by a lunch reception at the church.

The family extends deepest thanks and appreciation to the staff of Presbyterian Manor and the team of caregivers at home who have given their love and support to Lou Ann.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Salina Public Library, the Salina Community Theatre or the Presbyterian Manor, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS, 67401.