Eugene R. Bergenholtz

Gene, age 91, passed away peacefully July 27, 2013 at his home in Mount Vernon with his wife by his side; he was born September 7, 1921 in Hazelton, Idaho to Carl and Erma Bergenholtz. Gene spent his early years in Idaho until joining the U.S. Navy in 1942 serving in WWII on the USS Tuscaloosa (Atlantic) and USS Miami (Pacific). He met his wife of 69 years, Oliva, they were married in 1944. Following his separation from the Navy, he moved to Moses Lake and was the first employee for the Moses Lake PUD. Gene and Oliva were very involved in numerous community organizations including: Masonic Lodge Lifetime Member (Past Master), Eastern Star Oasis Chapter, Shriner, VFW Life Member, and the Moses Lake First Church of the Nazarene. Gene was instrumental with admitting 40 children to the Spokane Shriner's Hospital. They moved to Mount Vernon in 2010 to be closer to family. They became members of the Mount Vernon Church of the Nazarene. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Oliva, daughter: Carol (Greg) DiGiovanna; grandchildren: Jeff (Sara) Willard and Deena (Wade) Wilhonen; great-grandchildren: Devin and Kailey Willard, and Kjirsi and Chandler Wilhonen. A Celebration of Gene's Life will be held Thursday, August 1, 2013, 2:00 pm at the Mount Vernon Church of the Nazarene followed by a time of reception. There will be a private Military Graveside service for Gene in the Veteran Garden at Hawthorne Memorial Park. Please share your thoughts of Gene and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.