Dr. Jack D. Bergstresser, Sr., was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1934, and was granted eternal rest on March 7, 2018, at the age of 83. Son of Edwin and Eleanor Bergstresser, he was a persevering child of the Great Depression who approached life with a tireless sense of love, devotion and determination. He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School in Tampa, Florida, and Florida State University. In the following years, he worked as a biologist at McKee Jungle Garden and Florida Mosquito Control. He also served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1958. He was granted a full scholarship to the Kansas City School of Medicine and Biosciences where he received a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine in 1966.

Dr. Bergstresser opened the first doctor's office in Palm Bay, Florida, where he worked from 1966 to 1970. He continued his practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from 1970 to 1973 and in Melbourne, Florida, from 1973 to 1995. He established additional practices in Missouri and a clinic in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and also managed a smallpox vaccination program for the Coast Guard and Navy in New Orleans. He last served the community at Treasure Coast Community Health in Florida before his retirement at the age of 79. Dr. Bergstresser was on staff at many hospitals throughout his career, including Sebastian River Medical Center, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, StoneCrest Medical Center, Woodbury Medical Center, Cox Medical Center, and St. John's Medical Center.

Dr. Bergstresser was a 32 ^nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. He loved flying and boating and was a skilled painter and wood carver. He was an active ham radio enthusiast, diligent Spanish learner, and avid traveler. Above all, he loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, patients, and medical practice.

Dr. Bergstresser is preceded in death by his parents John Edwin Bergstresser and Eleanor Watts Bergstresser, his brother Dr. Kip G. Kelso, and his grandson Jack D. Bergstresser III. He is survived by N. Charlene Bergstresser, his wife of 38 years; his children Jack Bergstresser, Jr., of Mooresville, North Carolina; Carol B. Denton of Hickory, North Carolina; Greg M. Bergstresser of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Dr. E. Reagan Bergstresser-Simpson of Tennessee. He was adored by his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In accordance with Dr. Bergstresser's wishes, no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Semper paratus.