David Alan Bergsven

David Alan Bergsven of Bonita Springs, FL and formerly of Minnesota passed away on Saturday, April 11 at the age of 79. Dave was born in Bemidji, MN to Clarence and Phyllis Bergsven. While in high school he was a member of the Minnesota National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman, and then spent his final year of a four-year active duty enlistment with the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military duty, he returned to Bemidji to attend college where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration. After graduation he was employed by the State Department of Education in St. Paul, MN and was also enrolled at the University of Minnesota where he earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration. He also worked for the Minnesota State Legislature where he researched and wrote legislation which currently regulates private vocational schools in Minnesota. Later, he served as Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations for the Minnesota State Department of Education. After eleven years there, he moved to Hennepin County in Minneapolis, MN as Assistant Director for Labor Relations. Four years later, he and his wife Connie and daughter Lindsey moved to Billings, MT where he began a new career as Vice President for Human Resources at Deaconess Hospital. They later returned to Minnesota where he became a commercial and labor arbitrator. Finally, in 1989 he joined the Metropolitan Airports Commission in Minneapolis, MN where he served as Labor Relations Manager and then as Deputy Executive Director before retiring in 2001. Throughout his career he was a member of several professional and service organizations and was co-founder and President of the Minnesota Public Employer Labor Relations Association. Dave and his wife Connie enjoyed world travel, RV-ing, fishing and golf. Upon retirement, they moved to the lake home they built near Backus, MN, and later purchased a second home in Bonita Springs, FL spending summers in MN and winters in FL. Dave is survived by his wife Connie Bergsven; their daughter, Lindsey (Justin) Busch of Sun Prairie, WI, son, Mark Brandvold of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Audrey and Mathias of Sun Prairie; and great grandson, Jace. He is also survived by his sisters, Beverly Berggren of Dayton, MN, Linda (Ron) Bouchie of Bemidji, MN, Julie (Lee) Patten of Bemidji, MN, brother, Dan (Kari) Bergsven of Bemidji, MN as well as many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father Clarence, his mother Phyllis and granddaughter Brooke Brandvold. Dave was admired and respected by so many. He was a man of high principles, always had the best advice and was fiercely loyal to those he loved. The world lost a great man and he will be deeply missed. Inurnment will take place this summer at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. with Military Honors. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

David Alan Bergsven

March 14, 1941 - April 11, 2020