Virgil R. Bergstrom Scholarship

Virgil R. Bergstrom was born July 21, 1922 in Pocatello, Idaho, to Richard B. Bergstrom and Mary Edith Downey Bergstrom. Virgil was the grandson of Charles John Bergstrom and Emma Elsie Engstrom Bergstrom, whom resided at 1356 E. Fremont St., Pocatello. He was also the grandson of James Collister Downey and Lucy Loretta Carrico Downey, whom resided at 535 N. Hayes Ave., Pocatello.

As immigrants from Sweden, Virgil’s Grandparents landed in New York in the late 1800’s. They worked various industries before moving to American Falls prior to World War 1. Following the war, the family moved to Pocatello, residing at 3407 Poleline Rd. Virgil lived at this location for most of his life. A student of Pocatello High, Virgil played Football as a fullback and lead blocker for tailback Babe Caccia. As a graduate of Pocatello High, he had aspirations of attending Idaho State University when WWII broke out. As many other Americans of the time, he felt the obligation to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Following his service in the Navy, Virgil worked as a long haul driver covering the Western United States. In later years he worked locally as a driver with various road construction crews. He had always wondered what would have been had he attended ISU. This thought inspired him to consider other Poky High Students and how he might be able to assist students in need, with an opportunity to attend ISU as he hand once wished.

Prior to his passing, Virgil arranged for the majority of his estate to be used establishing an Endowment for the purpose to awarding two Poky High Students of need, one boy and one girl, a scholarship at Idaho State. Estate proceeds included the personal effects of all family members including his Aunt and Uncle, Frank and Mary Miller. Virgil cared for Mary daily at a local nursing home until her passing in 1978. Virgil passed in July, 2004 knowing that other student of Pocatello High would have the opportunity to pursue a dream he never fulfilled. He always said, “The youth of today can accomplish anything if given the opportunity.”