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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Bergdoll, Howard

BERGDOLL, Howard Howard - “the Homefinder” was called home to Our Lord suddenly on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2014, which was fitting as he was a Korean War Veteran who was proud and honored to serve his country with the 7th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.

Howard was born in Detroit, MI on May 4, 1930.

His family moved several times during his childhood, spending significant time in Michigan and Georgia.

He graduated from Indiana University in 1952 with a B.A.

in Business.

While at IU he met the love of his life, JoAnn Runick and they were married.

He was employed by Hallmark Card Company and later Campbell Sales Company, who transferred him to Spokane in 1960 for “two years.”

After residing in the San Francisco Bay area following their marriage, Spokane seemed like the end of the earth at first, but he and JoAnn soon grew to love what they referred to often as “God’s Country”.

After five years he was transferred back to the Bay Area but he longed to return to Spokane and in 1968 he resigned from Campbell’s and the family returned to Spokane, where he began his long career in real estate.

Howard was a broker for Gary Myers Real Estate, Century 21, Coldwell Banker and for Windermere North Spokane at the time of his death.

He was active in Spokane Association of Realtors and recently was awarded the distinction of “Realtor Emeritus” for 46 years in the business.

Howard was also active in Spokane Lilac Association, Lions Club and Indiana University Alumni Association.

A man of deep faith, he was a member of St. Andrews Church, although he also attended St. John’s Cathedral and St. Paul of the Desert in Palm Springs.

Howard was just active, period.

A long-time member of the Spokane Club, he worked out there several times weekly up to the time of his death.

He is survived by his brother Robert (Bonnie) of Fort Myers, FL; daughters Terry Stralser and Laura Gall (David) of Spokane, Arlie Herreros (Juan Carlos) of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren: Carlos (Emily) and Isa Bella Herreros; Michael (Bethany), Danny (Kayli) and Thomas Gall, Jessica Harding (George), Joel Stralser (April), numerous nephews, nieces, and great-grandchildren, and a community of friends and associates.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard Sr. and Arlyle, and his beloved wife JoAnn.

Special thanks to his long-time business partner and beloved friend Catherine Sutherland and to Stella Evans, who he fondly referred to as “Daughter” #4.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions might go to K9 Support NW, 1415 9th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202 (website: K9SNW.org); or the Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (palmspringsairmuseum.org).

“Heaven has gained an amazing angel who is dancing on the beach with his sassy love, who is running the distance, who is making all those that couldn’t wait to greet him laugh, who is smiling upon you each and every day.”

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 12 noon at St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E12th Ave., Spokane, WA.