Carl John Bergstrasser Jr., 66, of Forty Fort, passed away at home during the early morning hours of Friday, May 31, 2024.

Born on April 28, 1958, in Wilkes-Barre, Carl was the son of the late Carl and Collette (Austin) Bergstrasser.

Carl was a proud graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Class of 1977. The halls of Meyers High are where he fell in love and married his beautiful wife Sharon (Maneval) Bergstrasser on August 12, 1978. Aside from using his undeniable charm to find the love of his life, he also found time to be an avid wrestler, a player on the football team, and a loyal member of the Boy Scouts of America. Prior to graduation, Carl began his apprenticeship with the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association, Local 44, where he continued until retirement. Carl loved his career and never shied away from mentoring any new apprentice in need of guidance. As a Union man through and through, there was rarely a rally or strike he did not attend and could often be seen walking picket lines alongside his wife, his daughters, and other Union members to show his continued solidarity. Carl was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion at the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville.

Carl was a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings, especially Fran Tarkenton. As such, I can say with absolute certainty that he was not a fair-weather fan (since they never seemed to have fair weather). Though they broke his heart year after year, he never once lost hope that their time would come. As the years passed on, he also became a constant consumer of news and current events. He could always be found laughing at the callers of WNEP Talk Back 16, and he continued to hope that one day his name would be called as the big winner of the Wheel Watcher’s Club on Wheel of Fortune.

Those who had the pleasure of meeting him would say he was a hard worker who led by example, and always led with kindness first. Despite his gruff appearance, signature handlebar mustache, and commanding voice that echoed through a softball field; his kindness, humor, and integrity is how he will be remembered. Though as his daughter I may be partial, but with my mother’s help they raised two daughters who knew we could do anything we set our minds to. Our father, Carl, showed us how to change a flat, change our oil, mow the lawn, catch a fish, hit a homerun (while not so subtly “coaching” from the outfield). He taught us to stand up for ourselves, to never go to bed angry and to be brave even if you’re scared.

For those of us left earth-side, he will be missed immensely especially by his wife of 45 years, Sharon; daughter, Tara and husband Eric Zagata, of Hunlock Creek; daughter, Ashley Bergstrasser, of Forty Fort; grandchildren, Abigail and Jacob Zagata, of Hunlock Creek; his loving sister, Colleen and her husband, Michael Elias; sister-in-law, Alicia Maneval; nephew, Jason Maneval and wife, Katie; niece, Amber and husband, Bill Heiss; nephews, Michael, Joshua, and Bradley Elias and wife, Jess; as well as many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and last but certainly not least, his dear friends and colleagues.

To honor Carl’s life and in lieu of traditional mourning, there will be a Celebration of Life held in his honor. The celebration will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, 259 Shoemaker Street, Swoyersville. We request all who knew and loved Carl to please come and eat, drink, laugh, cry, and toast to Carl. If you have any old photos, favorite music, stories or just happy memories you would like to share, please come out and help us to celebrate the life of Carl J. Bergstrasser.

Funeral arrangements for Carl have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

To share a memory of Carl or message of condolence with his family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

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