Reported to group on 16 Feb 1945. He flew 19 missions from 26 Feb to 18 Apr 1945. AM 2OL



Wilford Nephi Bergener - August 19, 1919 – October 29, 1999

Wilford Nephi Bergener, 80, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor and confidant, died peacefully Friday night with his family at his side. His life was a legacy. Wilf’s greatest joy was having family around him and to feel the connection between all that were present. His greatest gift was himself. He always had time to listen to others and by doing so assist in helping them to sort out whatever needed sorting. Many hundreds of family and friends’ lives are presently guided by Wilf’s quiet, benevolent wisdom. The strength and love to be derived from the family unit was his highest regard. His concept of family extended to all that knew him. Neighborhood children and parents visited and talked with him as readily as family. He never forgot anniversaries, birthdays, graduations



Wilf was born and raised in Utah with his brothers and sisters Ross, Ray, Nora, Helen, Gladys and Shirley. Their early years were filled with loving, attentive parents who filled the family’s lives with traditional American values. After graduation from high school and later college he joined the Army Air Forces, trained as a B-17 pilot and married the one true love of his heart, Nannie Catherine Frazier. He flew over 20 combat missions into Nazi-occupied Europe with the 8th Air Force. His connection to his crew persisted throughout his life via letters, some reunions, and telephone conversations. After WW II he steered a career course with United Airlines in San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. When he retired in 1974 he left tearful employees that would miss the kind, patient and wise ministering of a beloved manager. No one ever messed with the “big guy”, not out of fear, but because he invoked respect in all who came into contact with him.



Nannie was Wilf’s life long companion, best friend and devoted, loving wife of 55 years. Her compassion, giving nature and selflessness are a mirror of Wilf’s character. An inseparable couple, they extended their gift to the world with three children, Phillip, Marsha, and Melissa. The addition of grandchildren endeared Wilf’s next role as grandfather. The grandchildren often sought his advice and counsel on various issues. His impact on their lives is without measure. Their love for him came back to him in frequent visits, telephone calls and letters.



His life was filled with many wonderful adventures. Ask any family member to recount one and you will be laughing and crying, while filled with love and respect, all at the same time.



Wilford taught us the importance of strong family bonds. No problem was too large, no challenge was too big and no obstacle insurmountable. His legacy lives on in the fullness, the joy, and the positive outlook for tomorrow that marks the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren and all that knew him. His passing leaves an empty spot in all of us, but we continue to feel the presence of this ‘big guy’s’ spirit in our lives.