William "Coach" Bergan
June 18th, 1965 - February 12th, 2025
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
William "Coach"'s Obituary
“Coach” Bill Bergan, 59 of Eau Claire, MI was welcomed into Heaven on February 12, 2025. William (Bill) Bergan was born on June 18, 1965, to Paul C. Bergan and Linda K. Decker in Joliet, Illinois. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1983 and continued his education at the University of Toledo as a Liberal Arts Major and quarterback for the Toledo Rockets from 1984-87. In 1990 he became the proud father of Jake Bergan.
While pursuing his interest in football, Bill played professional football for the Argonauts in Cannes, France in 1999 and made his movie debut in the 1993 movie, Rudy, where he portrayed #14 quarterback. Perhaps his greatest contributions to the sport began when he developed an interest in coaching. Bill coached football at Berrien Springs High School for 25 years where as Head Coach, he had a 68-49 record with seven playoff appearances, two Lakeland Conference Co-Championships, three BCS Conference titles and a Division 5 District Title in 2009.
Bill worked at Coca-Cola and Zick’s Specialty Meats before finding his passion for helping kids as Director of Berrien Springs Discovery Academy, where for 21 years he mentored, counseled and developed programs tailored to allow all students achieve their educational goals in a nurturing and focused environment. In the words of friend and colleague, Amy Williams, “Bill wasn’t just a champion on the football field…or as a coach…he was a champion for kids…” In 2000, Bill met his wife Terica Henton and they were married on April 16, 2004. They welcomed their daughter, Kathryn on December 18, 2007. Bill is survived by his wife, Terica and children Jake and Kathryn; grandchildren Grant and Rowan Delaney-Bergan; brothers Sean (Nkenge) Bergan, Nick (Linda) Bergan, sister Pamela (David) Kaiser and a special sister Elicia Williams-Hinkle. Bill leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews plus countless family, longtime friends, coaches and the many players and students who serve as testaments to his leadership and passion. He also had a special acknowledgement for his bonus daughters Ashante Clay and Aysha Gladney-Williams. Bill will be remembered for his strong faith, unwavering love for his family, football, movies and snacks!
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Mars Community Center, 26-50 Sylvester Ave., Berrien Springs, MI 49103 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Fellowship and refreshments can be enjoyed after the service for those not attending the internment. For those unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream Bill's service: https://www.youtube.com/live/f-A63zRAsX0 Memorials: In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a gift to support the establishment of the Bill Bergan Memorial Scholarship. Details will be available at the memorial service.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a gift to support the establishment of the Bill Bergan Memorial Scholarship. Details will be available at the memorial service. Questions may be directed to Nkenge Bergan (616) 308-3609 nkengebergan@gmail.com.
While pursuing his interest in football, Bill played professional football for the Argonauts in Cannes, France in 1999 and made his movie debut in the 1993 movie, Rudy, where he portrayed #14 quarterback. Perhaps his greatest contributions to the sport began when he developed an interest in coaching. Bill coached football at Berrien Springs High School for 25 years where as Head Coach, he had a 68-49 record with seven playoff appearances, two Lakeland Conference Co-Championships, three BCS Conference titles and a Division 5 District Title in 2009.
Bill worked at Coca-Cola and Zick’s Specialty Meats before finding his passion for helping kids as Director of Berrien Springs Discovery Academy, where for 21 years he mentored, counseled and developed programs tailored to allow all students achieve their educational goals in a nurturing and focused environment. In the words of friend and colleague, Amy Williams, “Bill wasn’t just a champion on the football field…or as a coach…he was a champion for kids…” In 2000, Bill met his wife Terica Henton and they were married on April 16, 2004. They welcomed their daughter, Kathryn on December 18, 2007. Bill is survived by his wife, Terica and children Jake and Kathryn; grandchildren Grant and Rowan Delaney-Bergan; brothers Sean (Nkenge) Bergan, Nick (Linda) Bergan, sister Pamela (David) Kaiser and a special sister Elicia Williams-Hinkle. Bill leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews plus countless family, longtime friends, coaches and the many players and students who serve as testaments to his leadership and passion. He also had a special acknowledgement for his bonus daughters Ashante Clay and Aysha Gladney-Williams. Bill will be remembered for his strong faith, unwavering love for his family, football, movies and snacks!
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Mars Community Center, 26-50 Sylvester Ave., Berrien Springs, MI 49103 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Fellowship and refreshments can be enjoyed after the service for those not attending the internment. For those unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream Bill's service: https://www.youtube.com/live/f-A63zRAsX0 Memorials: In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a gift to support the establishment of the Bill Bergan Memorial Scholarship. Details will be available at the memorial service.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a gift to support the establishment of the Bill Bergan Memorial Scholarship. Details will be available at the memorial service. Questions may be directed to Nkenge Bergan (616) 308-3609 nkengebergan@gmail.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.