Kelvin Boyd Bergdale

It is with absolute and profound sadness that we announce the death of Kelvin Boyd Bergdale, age 69, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Emory University Hospital following a nine-month fight against Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer - a fight that was no less than heroic. Kel was born in Hawarden, Iowa to Leslie and Ruth Wilson Bergdale. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Political Science and then served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972. Since 2004 Kel was employed as an insurance agent for True North Companies in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prior to 2004, he was Manager of Production at Plaid Enterprises in Atlanta, GA. Kel was the beloved husband of Sherry and the devoted and proud father of sons, Jeff and Greg (Katherine). His family was so happy to be able to stream Greg and Katherine’s wedding, which took place October 27, 2017 to his room at Emory. He is also survived by his brother, Bernard Bergdale (Phyllis) of Alcester, SD, sisters, Marge Eilers of Alcester, Muriel Goettsch (Duane) of Winnebago, IL, and Jean Eilers of Valdosta, GA as well as a host of much-loved cousins, nephews, nieces and a countless number of friends…and his beloved cat, Soxy. Kel loved people and nothing made him happier than spending time with family and friends. He was a kind and loyal friend. An avid sports fan, he spent many years coaching youth recreational baseball and basketball in Rockdale County. He never forgot a child he coached. He also served two terms on the Rockdale County Board of Recreation. He was extremely passionate about his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and nothing pleased him more than a trip to Iowa City during football season! He also developed a love of European travel and was fortunate to enjoy several trips over the past few years. One year in France, he was able to participate in the Flag Ceremony at the American Cemetery in Normandy - an honor that he held close to his heart. It is difficult to express our appreciation for the concern, care and love Kel received during the past nine months - from the skilled and compassionate doctors and nurses at Emory to the multitude of loving friends and relatives who drove many miles to take him to his daily radiology appointments….and, of course, then to Fox Brothers for lunch! Getting to visit with his friends on these trips was the highlight of his day. A special thank you to his sister Jean Eilers and niece Traci Pritchard for spending so much time with Kel at Emory and to Jane Kruse who stayed with Kel at the hospital so that the rest of the family could attend Greg and Katherine’s wedding. And to Phil Marucha and the Emory employees who made it possible for Kel to watch his son’s wedding….a million thank-you’s is not enough. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 3, 2017 at 12 p.m. at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Dr. Dave Benson officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main Street, NW, Conyers, GA 30012. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Kelvin Boyd Bergdale

February 25, 1948 - October 28, 2017