Kaye Bergman

HAMILTON - Robert “Kaye” Bergman was born April 5, 1934 to Helen Collins and Kenneth Bergman in Great Falls, MT. The oldest of three children, he enjoyed his role as big brother to Glenn and Patricia. He spent his summers on his Grandparent’s homestead on the Teton River near Fort Benton. Driving tractors, riding horses and milking cows was part of that life and led to his decision to attend Montana State College and get a degree in Dairy Industry.

While at school, Kaye enrolled in Army ROTC. After college, he transitioned to the Army Reserve and eventually to the US Public Health Corps, attaining the rank of Commander before his retirement.

While attending college he caught the eye of Emma Jo (Jodi) Infanger, who picked him out of a photo saying, “I’ll take that one!” It took a bit longer for Kaye to wise up! They were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 25, 1957.

Kaye received his M.S. in June of that year and immediately reported to Ft. Knox, KY to fulfill his military obligation. Before the month was out Jodi informed him they had a baby on the way. On their first anniversary, they welcomed the first of their seven children, Keith.

Their path took them back to Bozeman where Kaye was employed by the College. Eric joined them there. Then it was off to Columbia, MO for three years to obtain a PhD and their first daughter, Kristine.

Kaye landed a research position at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton where he spent his career both as a research scientist and an administrator, overseeing a major expansion of the lab and its research capabilities. When military regulations dictated his retirement, they promptly hired him back as a full-time private contractor to continue his work.

Hamilton was home. Daughters Liesl, Lara and Korrie joined the family there. He and Jodi gained one more daughter, 3-month-old Rachel, when their daughter-in-law, Rita, passed away.

Kaye loved outdoor activities such as backpacking, gardening, hunting and fishing. He also had a deep love for classical music and played the violin from a young age. Despite the demands of work and church responsibilities he made time to serve in his community. He deeply valued the 40 years he spent as a member of the Hamilton Lions Club. Without fail, every year he could be found working the bingo booth at the Ravalli County Fair!

Kaye was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Bishop of the Hamilton Ward where he oversaw the construction of the current building after a fire claimed the previous meetinghouse. He also served as President of the Stevensville Stake and as Stake Patriarch. He and Jodi served a mission together in Manchester, NH. He gave the utmost care and devotion to his sweetheart as her health failed.

Above all, Kaye was devoted to his family. Whether one of his 7 kids, 24 grandchildren, the 30 great-grandchildren or any of the 19 who married into this family, he claimed and loved them as “his” and they all knew it. He was an especially gifted storyteller, and a bedtime story from Grandpa was highly coveted!

Kaye Bergman was and is a man of absolute integrity, a disciple of Jesus Christ and an example of what we are supposed to be.

He is survived by sons Keith Bergman (LaFaye) and Eric Bergman (Anita); daughters Kristine Pitts (Christopher), Liesl Recht (Howard), Lara Phillips (Derrick), Korrie Bastian (Michael), and Rachel Bergman; sister Patricia Faulkner (David).

Viewing will take place Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at the Daly-Leach Chapel. Visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm in the Relief Society Room at the Hamilton LDS Church with funeral services following at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lions Club of Hamilton Montana.