Arthur John Bergstrand, age 80, of Hinckley, IL passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Alden Estates of Barrington where he had been a resident since August. He had fallen in June and was dependent on a respirator until his death.

Artie, a life-long resident of Hinckley was the son of Arthur W. and Edith (Pritchard) Bergstrand. He was born on December 18, 1929 and graduated from Hinckley High School in 1947. He was a good student and athlete and especially loved basketball. Following graduation Artie attended the University of Illinois. In 1949 he married Carol Ann Eberly and for a while they made their home in the Champaign Urbana area while Artie worked at various jobs including a soybean plant and a photography shop where his life-long love of photography began.

Upon the death of his mother in 1953, Artie and Carol returned to Hinckley to help his Dad and brother run the Hinckley Lumber Company and Carol took care of the house. Following the closure of the Hinckley Lumber Co. Artie held jobs selling insurance and working at Moser Lumber in Naperville, IL. Through his connections in Naperville, Artie became associated with the Naperville Men’s Glee Club and was a proud member for many years.

Artie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Ann Bergstrand of Hinckley, IL; his six children, Robin (Al) Thorson of Hinckley, IL, Eric Bergstrand of Marysville, TN, Chris (Cindy) Bergstrand of Pekin, IL, Anita (Mike) Kopko of Ottawa, IL, Swen (Angi) of Shabbona, IL, and Leif Bergstrand of Hinckley, IL; his 17 grandchildren; his 16 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Barbara Bergstrand; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Artie was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur W. and Edith Bergstrand; a sister in infancy; and three brothers, Donroy, Harley, and Berton.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at the Hinckley First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Sycamore St., Hinckley, IL with Pastor Michael Mann, officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Hinckley, IL.

Friends may visit from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 28, 2009 at the Nash-Nelson Memorial Chapel, 141 N. Maple St., Hinckley, IL.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes, 815-286-3247, www.nelsonfuneralhomes.com