Edward Bergmann, 83, a longtime Hinsdale resident, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 11, 2023, at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale.
He was born in 1941 to Frederick and Terese Bergmann and grew up in Chicago with a deep thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to be the best at whatever he sought out in life. After graduating Hirsch High School in Chicago, he proceeded to Northwestern University and found a passion for the law. That passion directed him to Cornell Law University, where he found even more success and graduated magna cum laude.
In 1970 while serving in the Illinois Army Reserve, Ed met Mary Jo at her house in LaGrange Park and they married in May of 1971. Their young family grew with the addition of Terri in 1977 and Bill in 1979.
While he cherished his family deeply, his love and dedication to his craft is what drove him through an extremely successful 57-year law career. Ed joined what is now Seyfarth in 1966, where he has been credited for being the original builder of their wage-hour practice, which was a privilege and honor he carried close to his heart. As his career developed, Ed's drive to be the best seamlessly carried on to his desire to make others be their best as well. His ability and willingness to not only help his coworkers and friends but to teach and share his knowledge could be seen by everyone who knew him.
If he ever had any spare time, he thoroughly enjoyed a weekly cigar, reading, trains, reading about trains and golfing on weekends with his close friends at Butterfield Country Club. Not surprisingly, he was involved there as a member of the board of directors along with pool and tennis committees. The loss of Ed will be felt by all that knew him but none as much as his five grandchildren, who all lit his heart in their own very special ways.
Ed is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; his daughter, Terri; his son, Bill (Kathrine); and his five grandchildren, George, Fritz, Brody, Hazel and Sydney.
Visitation is from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 8, at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 S. Grant St., Hinsdale.
Interment is private.
