Laurene Ann Bergman, 92, of Elkton died Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Brookview Manor, Brookings, SD. Laurene was born on February, 17, 1917 to Theodore and Amanda (Bebensee) LaFrenz in Altona Township, Pipestone County, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkton, SD. Laurene was raised on the family farm in the Elkton area and attended rural school at District #54 north of Elkton and District #62 and District #82 in Lincoln County, MN. She helped her family at home and worked for several neighbors. On June 30, 1937 she married Leo Bergman in Elkton. They spent the first 4 years of their marriage working for a farmer near State Center, IA and moved to the Ward area in 1941. Laurene helped her husband with farming until they retired in 1969 and moved into Elkton. Laurene worked for 11 years as a custodian and 4 years as a custodial supervisor at SDSU in Brookings until her retirement in 1982. Leo preceded her in death on November 21, 1992. Laurene was a member of the First Baptist Church, Elkton, Baptist Ladies Group, Golden Agers, Senior Citizens and a long time member of the Rebekahs in Elkton. She enjoyed the neighborhood coffee get togethers, crocheting, reading, watching TV and putting jig saw puzzles together. She also did a lot of gardening and canning. Laurene loved spending time with her family and friends and especially loved her stay at Cozy Corner in Elkton.

Laurene is survived by her daughters, Marlene Pottratz, Brookings, Marlys (John) Landgren, Verdi, MN, sons, Marlen (Char) Bergman, Liberty, MO, Marvin Bergman (Cheryl Dettmer), Mesa, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two brothers, Ray & Harry and sister, Elva.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 17, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Elkton at 10:30 AM with burial in the Elkton City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00–8:00 PM on Thursday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Elkton.