Airus Evan Bergstrom

Airus Evan Bergstrom of Logan, Utah passed away on June 5, 2019. He was born on June 21, 1923 in Thatcher, Box Elder County, Utah, the oldest son of Evan Alfred and Jayne Wheatley Bergstrom. He is survived by his four children: John Evan (Judy), Green Valley, Arizona; Kenneth Neil (Carla), Richmond, Utah; Alan Jeffrey (Nancy) So. Jordan, Utah; and Jill Ramboz, Sellersburg, Indiana. He and Madge had 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Madge Hogan Bergstrom, his parents, his brother Billy Merle, his grandson Trevor Ramboz, and son-in-law Mark Ramboz. Airus lived in Los Angeles with his parents and younger brother until the Depression forced their return to Honeyville, Utah. His boyhood was full of the many adventures and hard work available in that rural setting. Cousins and neighbors provided plenty of companionship. At Box Elder High School in Brigham City he was a member of the swim team. Airus excelled academically as well as athletically graduating at the age of 16. He then attended Utah State University as an engineering student until 1941. At that time he went with his father to Bremerton, Washington to work in the construction of submarine bays, until he enlisted in the Army-Air Corp in 1942. Airus trained as a P-47 fighter bomber pilot. He flew 72 missions over the English Channel into Europe during 1943-1944. After his tour was completed, he returned to Utah State University to complete a degree in Civil Engineering. He met Madge Marie Hogan and they were married in the Logan LDS Temple on April 12, 1946. Airus graduated from USU in 1948. He moved his young family to Tulare, California where he was employed by the California Highway Department. One project was construction of the highway into Yosemite National Park. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and the family moved many times in their military career spanning 22 additional years of service. During his military service Airus worked as a Civil Engineer on such projects as the successful development of the Minuteman Missile. He also served in Vietnam 1967-1968. They lived several times in Texas and California. Other duty stations were in Arizona, Illinois, England, and Virginia; finally retiring in 1972 in Logan. He was employed by Valley Engineering for several years. For the next 20 years he and Madge divided their time between St. George, Utah and Logan. Airus often mentioned the wonderful people he had met over the years all over the world. He was appreciative of his experiences and the lessons he learned as a result. His favorite activity has been golf. He perfected his skills in the military winning championships, and in retirement, he also won club championships at Logan Golf and Country Club and Lava Hills Golf Club in St. George. The sport was a source of relaxation and enjoyment. Airus also loved gardening, never failing to plant each spring and harvest each fall. He was a great source of family and historical information and wisdom for his children and grandchildren. He has been a respected citizen of Cache Valley and many have reached out to him for his opinion and advice. A family graveside service will be held on Monday, June 10 at Logan City Cemetery. Internment is under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary of Logan.