Obituary of Michael John Bergner

Michael John Bergner (Mike) of Peoria, Arizona, passed away suddenly at the age of 61 on Sunday, April 30^th, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Ann, and his father, Paul Bergner.  He is survived by his son, Austin, his mother, Marga Bergner, his sister, Christine Anthony, nephews Hans and Paul Thompson, Christopher Anthony, and by his niece Larissa Boisselle.  He also left behind numerous life-long friends.

Mike was born on December 15, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois.  He moved to Phoenix, Arizona with his family in 1973.  He met his life-long friend, Cris Stewart, and together they were always into something scientific, or building many wonderful contraptions.  He graduated from Apollo High School, Glendale, Arizona, in 1980.  This is where he was introduced to early computer technology and developed further from there.  After graduating from high school, he joined the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Volunteer Posse, where he was introduced to law enforcement and firearms.  At that time, he met and married his wife, Ann Thompson.   Shortly after, his son, Austin was born.

He and his wife, Ann, chose to relocate to Page, Arizona for the small-town atmosphere to continue their life together.  He truly enjoyed the sense of community he found in Page.  He joined the Page Police Force and was a well-known and respected member of the community.  He developed many great friendships while in Page.  He recruited his father and multiple friends to help him build his house from the ground up.  Mike could do or fix anything.  He was the Page go-to guy.  He eventually transitioned to becoming the IT specialist for the City of Page.  After his motorcycle accident in 2002, he became wheelchair-bound, but that did not slow him down.  He continued to manage the City of Page computer system and even taught computer science classes at the community college until his retirement. 

After retiring, he moved to Peoria, Arizona in 2016 with his son, Austin, and his mother-in-law and friend Beatrice Thompson (Bea).  He was a member of the Masonic Order and continued his interest in firearms.   Mike developed many new hobbies and endeavors, as well.  He was a master mixologist and connoisseur of fine spirits, accruing an enviable collection.  He enjoyed a good cigar with one of his fine spirits or a cocktail in the company of good friends. 

Mike was a kind, caring, and generous person.  He was always there if you needed him, and was a wealth of knowledge.  He will truly be missed by many.