Robert Bergner

Robert Owen Bergner was born June 1, 1938, to Pete and Goldie Bergner in Waynoka, Okla. He died peacefully at home on May 6, 2023, in Caldwell.

Robert attended Dacoma, Okla. schools until it closed and then attended Waynoka High School graduating in the class of 1956.

Robert had aspirations for a career as a pilot; however, after a flight to Hutchison, in a small plane experiencing lots of turbulence, he stated, “I am never flying again.” Unfortunately, he did have to fly again as he was drafted into the Army on September 1, 1960. He reported to Fort Hood, Texas where he was trained as a radio transmission technician. Robert served his last five months in Germany and was Honorably Discharged in April of 1962. He then entered the Army Reserves and was Honorably Discharged on August 31, 1966

Robert married Vickie Ann Long on July 21, 1963. Their parents were friends enjoying many dinners and game nights at each other’s homes. Robert and Vickie knew each other because of the parent’s friendship; however, Vickie stated that Robert always had his nose in comic books, so the spark hadn’t happened yet. Robert didn’t know he was starting the spark when he sent the family a condolence letter after hearing the news of Vickie’s dad passing. Vickie appreciated the courtesy and began writing him letters while in the service. The rest is history, as they say.

Robert had a career as a TV repairman for over 30 years, working at Dons TV and Repair in Wichita, owning his own TV repair business, Bergner TV, in Buffalo, Okla., and then moving to Kremlin, Okla., in 1983 and ending his repairmen career at Magnavox in Enid, Okla. Waiting on Vickie to retire, he took a part-time job at United Grocery store in Enid, Okla., retiring in 2000. They resided in Kremlin for nearly 40 years, moving to Caldwell in May of 2021 to be closer to Daniel and Trilby due to health challenges.

One of Robert’s proudest moments was becoming a father to John Douglas Bergner as they adopted their son when he was three days old. They then adopted Vickie’s niece Trilby Long Schmidt when she was 14.

He took pride in being a grandpa to Trower, Eric, Andrew, Kyle, Ben, Abi, and Luke and being a great-grandpa to Madi, David, Trower Jr., Bella, and Everleigh. He also enjoyed relationships with many relatives.

Robert enjoyed growing up on a farm and working in his parent’s grocery store. He enjoyed tinkering and was never in a hurry to do anything. He will be missed.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Bergner; son, John Douglas Bergner; his parents, Pete and Goldie (Curtis) Bergner; his brother, Lorace Lee and his sister Anna Mae Unruh.

Robert is survived by his daughter Trilby Long Schmidt (Daniel) Schmidt of Caldwell, KS, a sister and brother-in-law Johnece Long Wilson (Don) Wilson of Hunter, Ok, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Schaeffer Mortuary Chapel in Caldwell.

Memorials may be made to the Waynoka High School Alumni Association, 2134 S. Lincoln St., Waynoka, OK 73860, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation 200 SE 1st St. Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, and sent in care of the mortuary.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit: www.schaeffermortuary.info

Arrangements by: Schaeffer Mortuary, 6 N. Main, Caldwell, KS 67022.