On the morning of Friday, November 7, 2025, Gene passed away peacefully in his sleep at Holy Rosary Residential Living in Miles City, Montana. He was 76 years old. Gene was surrounded by love in his final days, having been visited by many friends and family, and was in the company of his son at the time of his passing.
Gene was born in Sidney, Montana, on January 21, 1949, the second son of Marian (Stallman) and Landin Clifford Bergstedt. He grew up on the family ranch near Savage, Montana, attending Larson School for elementary and graduating from Savage High School in 1967. That same year, he married Jackie Weibe, and together they had one son.
After high school, Gene attended business college in Rapid City, South Dakota. Following graduation, he worked as a bookkeeper in Newcastle, Wyoming, until 1974. He then returned to Montana to take a position with Beacon Carter in Miles City, later joining Blue Rock Distributors, where he worked until his retirement.
Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking throughout his life. He especially loved returning to the family ranch to visit his brother Clifford and his family. One of his fondest memories was a fishing trip to Canada with Clifford in the 1960s. Gene also loved the Beartooth Wilderness, where he took many fishing and hiking trips with family and friends. A fan of professional sports, he cheered for both the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings. Gene was also an avid reader who kept a record of each book he read.
Gene loved spending time with his three grandchildren, Dylan, Caleb, and Arloa whenever he could. His friends were incredibly important to him. They remember him for his sense of humor, his kindness, and his generosity. Friends and family alike remember Gene as someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand—whether to provide a place to stay or help someone find work, he was there to help those who needed support.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Marian and Landin Bergstedt and former wife Jackie Bergstedt. He is survived by his brother Clifford (Linda) Bergstedt and family; his son, Lee (Rebekah) Bergstedt and family.