Konrad Bergsten

Konrad Elmer Bergsten, age 73, of Blue Rapids, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Blue Valley Nursing Home.

Konrad was born on November 26, 1951, the son of Selon and Ruby (Ruthstrom) Bergsten.

He graduated from Valley Heights High School in the class of 1969. He served eight years in the Kansas Army National Guard. In 1984, he married Nancy Gronquist. They later divorced.

Konrad worked many years for Pope Disposal. He also did a lot of handyman jobs and worked at Titan Trailer Manufacturing.

Those who knew Konrad will fondly remember his love for a good joke; you always had to keep your guard up because you could never quite tell if he was serious or just playing around. He had an infectious sense of humor that brightened the days of everyone around him.

Konrad was a man of simple pleasures. He had a passion for reading and could often be found engrossed in history and military books, or enjoying a good movie. His culinary preferences were equally unique—he believed that no meal was complete without a splash of ketchup, and peanut butter cookies were a favorite.

Konrad is survived by his daughter, Olivia (TJ Franssen) Crook, Wymore, NE; his sister, Selene (Jerry) Yungeberg, Waterville; five grandchildren, Elizabeth Crook, Torrance Crook, Ashton Crook, Julian Crook and Haleigh Franssen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Rita Allen and LaVerna Arganbright.

Visitation will be from noon until 8 pm on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville, where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 pm that evening.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Waterville United Methodist Church with Pastors Derek Slack and Adam Yungeberg officiating. Music will be provided by Beverly Hedke. Pallbearers will be Scott Chilson, Tony Yungeberg, Allen Yungeberg, TJ Franssen, Torrance Crook, Eben Guerin and Dennis Osborne. Honorary Bearers will be Elizabeth Crook, Ashton Crook, Julian Crook and Haleigh Franssen.

Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Blue Rapids American Legion, and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

The Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville is in charge of arrangements.