Obituaries

GENEVA, ILLINOIS - Victoria “Viki” Bergie (nee Ross) age 64 passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on October 29, 1960, in Madison, Wisconsin, Viki was the daughter of Alden “Pete” Ross and Nancy Ross (Weeks).

Viki is survived by her husband, Lawrence “Bud” Bergie; sons Ross Nelezen (Rachel) and Max Bergie; stepsons Nick Bergie, Alex Bergie (Elaine Castle); and grandchildren Freya and Luca Bergie. She is also survived by her siblings Robin Ross-Henning (Mark), and Pete Ross (Terri) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Ted Nelezen, and by her parents Pete and Nancy Ross.

A visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 and an 11:30 luncheon.

She was a graduate of Madison East High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned an Optometric Technician certificate from Madison Area Technical College.

She brought so much joy to those around her. She delighted in making people laugh. She will be remembered for her quick wit, perseverance, and empathy for others. Whether it was loving the people in her life, telling funny stories, starting a new hobby, or running a business, Viki went all in with whatever she took on. Her strength and dignity following her recent cancer diagnosis and throughout her treatment was an inspiration to all who witnessed it.

She was a beloved wife to Bud. They enjoyed hiking, running a business together, and spending time with family. She was enthusiastic about traveling in retirement, and in August, they enjoyed an Alaskan cruise.

Viki fiercely loved her boys. She raised them to be kind, decent, honorable men. With unwavering love, she instilled in them strong values and morals. Her family cherished her advice and insights – often delivered through wise but funny quips or phrases in her own unique manner. Before Ted passed away, Viki tirelessly fought not only to care for him, but also to find treatments for his rare seizure disorder.

She was a funny, loyal friend-- devoted to her relationships ranging from grade school friends to a large community online.

Viki was a person who always kept busy. Most recently she plunged into the creation of a fairy garden. When Viki became unable to craft the whimsical pieces herself, she enlisted the family to complete her fairy garden as a place where she will always be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Viki’s memory to:

CUREHHT.ORG. A special thanks to the Pearl Team at Advocate Health Care Hospice, who brought great comfort to Viki and her family in her final weeks. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257