Obituary of John Bergers

John William Blake Bergers, 79, of Lindsborg, Kansas died Saturday, January 1, 2011. He was born to the late John William Bergers (Senior) and Helen Blake Bergers, July 14, 1931, in Omaha, NE. John was a professional artist who dedicated his life to painting historical and landscape scenes of the Midwest, especially those described so beautifully in the works of renowned author, Willa Cather. His collection of Cather works can be viewed at the Willa Cather Foundation in Red Cloud, Nebraska. John's deep interest in history led him also to restoration work. He was instrumental in restoring the McPherson Opera House in McPherson, KS, and contributed significantly to the restoration of the Red Cloud Opera House in Red Cloud, NE as well. John is survived by a brother, Richard Blake Bergers of San Marino, CA and is predeceased by a half sister, Helen Mae Bergstrom of Omaha, NE. He is survived by two children: Emily Jeanne Bergers Louni of Houston, TX and Matthew Blake Bergers of Minneapolis, MN and one step child: Lorie Meacham of Lawrence, KS. He also is survived by four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorials should be designated to the Willa Cather Foundation and the McPherson Opera House in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington P.O. Box 386 Lindsborg, KS 67456. A private family viewing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, at Christians Funeral Home in Lindsborg. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8 at Smoky Hill Cemetery. Online condolences at www.christiansfuneralhome.com