Ralph W. Bergendorf/Beaumont

Chula Vista, California- Ralph Wallace Bergendorf (Beaumont), 86, formerly of Pocatello, passed away early Thursday, October 25, 2012, in Chula Vista, California, after an extended illness.

He was born March 5, 1926, in Pocatello, the youngest of five children of Florence (Fjeldsted) and Nels Peter Bergendorff.

He attended local schools and graduated from Pocatello High in 1944. He was a member of the LDS church. He served in the U.S. Armyin Europe during WWII.

Ralph traveled extensively because of his work as a dancer/choreographer on the stage, in movies and on TV. One of his favorite projects was traveling to Africa to audition and hire native dancers to perform at the African Pavilion in the New York World's Fair of 1964.

He loved to return to Idaho as often as he could to visit his family, relax and go fishing. He also enjoyed visiting his sister-in-law Eve's family in England and Australia; he felt they were his second family and always spoke lovingly of them and his wonderful visits there. He welcomed all his relatives and friends to stay with him at his home in LA; he enjoyed showing visitors the sites and made sure everyone was entertained. He was an excellent host and a great cook.

He loved little children and volunteered for over 10 years at the Children's Hospital in LA with the very sick babies where he held and rocked them - and most of all, loved them. Ralph was a big sports fan, especially baseball and basketball. He always seemed to have a game or two going at the same time on TV whenever family would call or visit. He was fond of taking family and friends to see the Dodgers play. He owned and cared for many cats throughout his life.

He was a good natured man, with a delightful sense of humor. Even in his last days he was cheering up the nursing staff at both the nursing home and hospital, teasing and joking, but sincerely thanking them for their service to him. He loved to make everyone laugh with his pranks and jokes. He was a great storyteller with a wonderful imagination.

Though Ralph never had children of his own, he always loved his nieces and nephews as his own children. We all knew we were very special to Ralph. Each of us "kids" has numerous personal stories of extraordinary times with "our Unca." He was a generous uncle and loving friend and confidant.

We love you, Uncle Ralph, and miss you!! There was never anyone like you. Who will we dance with now?

Ralph was proceeded in death by his parents and brothers - Fred, Harry, and Dan, his sister Lois; his sisters-in-law EveBergendorf and Lola Bergendorff, and nephews Freddy and Roger Bergendorff. Also his very close cousin Charles Pizer and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Larraine Bergendorf-Clark (Wayde), Craig Bergendorf (Lorna), Karen Bergendorf, Natalie Poole (Brian), and Erich Lanning Bergendorff (Hilda).Also his cousins Bob and Cookie Bergendorf, Dennis Bergendorf (Barbara), and Harley (Debbie) Bergendorf, and numerous great nieces and nephews. Also his close friends in California, Allan Weiss, Dennis Seetoo, and Freddie Vargas Lomeli.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to services.

Interment will be in the Mountainview Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.