Edna Marie Berggren

Edna Marie Schavland Berggren, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her family. She was 91 years old.

Born on April 5, 1934, in Stavanger, Norway, Edna immigrated to the United States after World War II at the age of 14. She eventually settled in DeKalb, Illinois, where her life would take a fateful turn — she met the love of her life, Sven Berggren. After a very brief courtship, they married and began their lifelong adventure together, moving to Rockford, Illinois, where they built a home and raised their family.

A devoted homemaker, Edna was the heart and soul of her household. She was also the quiet powerhouse behind the family business, helping run 3-D Electric, the electrical company she and her husband operated together. While Sven may have been the face of the company, Edna was the one making sure it all ran smoothly — and letting him know when it didn’t.

Edna was a talented seamstress and an extraordinary baker. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, always filled with the smell of something fresh out of the oven and the hum of good conversation. She lived by the motto: “You have to have something with your coffee,” and she made sure there always was. Friends, neighbors, and family regularly stopped by just to sit at her table, share a story, and enjoy a cup of coffee and one of her famous cookies or cakes.

She is survived by her loving daughters: Lynn O'Connor (Vince), Britt Fleming (Mike), and Cindy Casper (Steve); grandchildren: Katie (Beau) Boykin, John (Katie) Fleming, Emily (Evan) O'Connor, Krystin (John) Ewing, Maggie (Lee) Robinson, Sven (Brittney) Casper, Katie (Ryan) Fleming, Kyle Becker, and Gwen (David) Feldhaus; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Charlie Mae and Johnny Ewing, Violet O'Connor, Mabel and Molly Boykin, Hunter Casper, Maiya Feldhaus, Gwyn and Amelia Fleming, and Savannah Gowins. She is also survived by siblings: Solveig (Richard) Quinney and Andy (Vern) Schavland; and sister-in-law Jean Berggren, along with many beloved nieces and nephews; as well as numerous loved family members in Norway.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sven Berggren; her parents, Ingolf and Marie Schavland; her siblings, Egil Schavland and Solveig Schavland; and her great-grandson, Hayden Casper.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Lincolnshire Memory Care and Sanctuary Hospice, whose exceptional care and compassion supported both Edna and her family in her final years. Special gratitude is also extended to Cassy Adrian and Alexandra Pollock, who faithfully visited and entertained Edna, bringing her joy and comfort.

Edna’s legacy is one of love, strength, and quiet generosity. Her grace touched everyone she met, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral service for Edna will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. A visitation will be held one hour prior at 10:00 a.m. Family to have a reception with coffee and cookies immediately following service. Internment will be private. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Alzheimer’s Association and/or Chris United Methodist Church.