Richard "Dick" Wayne Bergeron

Richard “Dick” Wayne Bergeron, age 86 of Bourbonnais, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at Riverside Miller Healthcare in Kankakee. Dick was born to Leola (Pombert) Bergeron and Lionel Bergeron on August 12, 1939, in Kankakee, Illinois. He is descended from one of the earliest French/Canadian families in the area. He graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora in 1957 and was in the Army National Guard from 1959 to 1967. Shortly after graduation from Marmion and while serving in the National Guard Reserve, he began working for his family in the automobile business. He attended numerous classes and seminars on all aspects of the automobile business. He was named President of Bergeron Pontiac/Toyota and co-owned the business with his cousin, Ken Bergeron. He was also part of the management team of Uptown Chrysler/Plymouth Sales and Body Shop. Later he and Ken built the first Pontiac/Toyota automobile dealership on Latham Drive in Bourbonnais. This dealership garnered the first TIF Agreement in Bourbonnais. Dick and Ken later partnered with Tom O’Brien and built a second dealership in Bourbonnais that sold Lincoln’s, Mercury’s, Mazda’s, and Mercedes Benz. He was involved with land development with his family and later became Vice President of Briar Ridge Development in Bourbonnais. In September 1961 Dick married his first wife, Patricia Ann Taggart, who passed away in 1996. On October 23, 1997, he married Bonnie Faye Robinson who survives. For several years, Dick and Bonnie enjoyed spending winters in Haines City, Florida. He was a member and volunteer at Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. He was a member of Maternity BVM Catholic Church, Bourbonnais, a past member of the Kankakee Elks Lodge, Kankakee Chamber of Commerce, and Board of Directors for Presence St. Mary’s Senior Health Care. At the time of his death, he held memberships in the Knights of Columbus, Manteno AMVETS Chapter 107, Kankakee Historical Society, Bourbonnais Grove Historical Society, Wright in Kankakee and the Hundred Club. He was a dedicated volunteer at the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno, where he offered his services for many years. Dick enjoyed traveling, reading and was an avid Cubs fan. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Linda Edelman of The Villages, FL, and many nieces and nephews. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister Shirl Edgerly. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais with a Celebration of Life following at the parish center. Memorials may be made to Maternity BVM Catholic Church in Bourbonnais or Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes, Bourbonnais.

Richard "Dick" Wayne Bergeron

August 12, 1939 - August 15, 2025