Melvin John Bergey

Melvin “John” Bergey, age 59 of Lake City, passed away May 23, 2023 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

John was born December 11, 1963 in Lansing.

He graduated in 1982 from Lake City High School and became a Lance Corporal in the US Marines and a graduate of the Rogue Community College in Medford, Oregon.

John was united in marriage to Christi Lynn Peterson on January 28, 2012 in Lake City.

John was passionate about counseling young adults; both in his family and through his employment. He was the Rock that many sought solace. He took many under his wing and helped shape their character and held them accountable. He was the Dad he didn’t have to be.

He was such an impressive force, you just felt his strength by being near him. He was the ultimate protector. He was fierce in his need to protect the vulnerable, the "little guy." He was a natural

leader and he had so many people who looked up to him and he may not have had a clue of how many there were. 

John was in the Merchant Marine for Great Lakes Fleet and a substance abuse counselor for Fairbanks Native Association in Alaska. He enjoyed hunting, camping, gardening and farming.  He was a lifetime member of the NRA.

John is survived by his wife, Christi and children: Melissa Wheeler of Cadillac, Michael Bergey of Lake City, Joshua Bergey of Utah and Jacob Bergey of Lake City and grandchildren: Nathaniel (Danielle), Alexis, Hayden, Ethan, Koby, Zachary, Leo and McKartlee.

He is also survived by a brother, Danial Cochrane of Jackson and two sisters, Jamie Hall of Madison Heights and Elaine (Bill) Gallop of Lake City.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jill Martin-Hoel and William Quinn and a sister, Amy Martin.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Pioneer Township Hall at 12:00 noon.

Burial will be in the Moorestown Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City. Words of comfort and memories may be shared on www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com. 

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