Halsene M. Bergquist

Halsene M. Bergquist, age 102, of Dover, passed away peacefully late Monday evening, February 9, 2009, in Park Village Health Care Center. Born July 28, 1906 at Freeport, Ohio, Halsene was a daughter of the late Dan and Jennie Steele Steffey. As a young lady, Halsene attended school at both Freeport and New Philadelphia. She went on to work at the former General Telephone at New Philadelphia as a switchboard operator for twenty years. Most of her life was spent as a homemaker, and she was known to genuinely love everyone she met. Later in life, she served as a volunteer at Union Hospital as a “Gray Lady”. She was a sixty-four year member of the First United Methodist Church at Dover, where she was active in various committees and the Ruth Circle. For many years, Halsene chaired the church rummage sale. Halsene delighted in being a part of a circle of family and friends, all of whom dearly loved her and tended to her. She shared homemade baked goods with many, and always had a hand-made kitchen towel ready to give as a gift. She’ll be dearly missed for her generosity, her caring nature and her willingness to help anyone in need. Survivors include her four nieces; Linda (husband Walter) Willoughby of Dover, Mary Destefani, Delene (husband Robert) Stemple and Sandra Fait, all of New Philadelphia. Many grand-nieces and grand nephews also survive. Halsene is now reunited with her husband, the late Fred G. Bergquist. They observed sixty-four anniversaries together prior to his death in 1989. Additionally, Halsene is preceded in death by sisters; Bernice (husband Dutch) Shonk, Mildred (husband William) Buckhor, brother; Dale (wife Florence) Steffey. An infant brother and sister are also deceased. Two nieces; Norma and husband Robert Celce Sr. and Ethel Jane and Paul Burrier Sr. as well as a nephew-in-law, Jim Destefani, also proceed Halsene in death. Friends are invited to call Thursday, February 12, 2009 from 4PM to 7PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor Bruce McGlaughlin will lead Halsene’s funeral service Friday morning at 10:30 in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Halsene will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Evergreen Burial Park. A reception for family and friends will be served in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church at Dover at the conclusion of the memorial service. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church 1725 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, OH 44622.