Michael (aka Bulldog) Stanley Bergant

IN MEMORY OF: Michael (aka Bulldog) Stanley Bergant Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Michael (aka Bulldog) Stanley Bergant, 76, passed away on June 1, 2026, at his home in Charlestown, IN, alongside his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, and his two beloved dogs. Michael was born 40 minutes earlier than his twin sister on August 16, 1949, in Taylorville, IL. He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1967, spent a summer working at the Central Illinois coal mine, and then enrolled in Eastern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in teaching and met the love of his life and mother of his children. In 1971, Michael & Phyllis settled in Wauconda, IL where he taught Biology before transitioning into banking management, gave birth to their first daughter, and served as both Treasurer and VP of the Jaycee's. They relocated to Southern Illinois in 1979 where he continued working in banking management, played church league softball, and welcomed their second daughter. Michael went on to work for the Illinois Dept. of Corrections from 1983-2002, was an officer in the Murphysboro Auxiliary Police from 1988-2003, served as an elected Alderman of Ward 3 for three consecutive terms, and ended his public service as the Murphysboro Code Enforcement Officer in late 2009. Michael was appointed to and served on various boards including the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group Advisory Council, Kinkaid Reeds Creek Conservancy District Board, Crime Stoppers, and MEG Board. In addition, he served as a Deacon and Assistant Treasurer for Murphysboro’s First Christian Church, played church league softball, and coached girls’ softball at Harrison Ball Fields. Michael is preceded in death by his father Stanley Bergant; mother Frances Chlebus Bergant; brother-in-law Raymond Jay Wilson; sister-in-law Tanna Wilson Robinson; nephews Sean Weitekamp, Mark Held, and John Goodwin; and cousins Larry Dunn, Pauline Armes, and Mary Bell. Michael is survived by his devoted wife Phyllis Ann Wilson Bergant; daughters JoAnna Nichole “Nikki” Bergant Schidleman (Kye) and Michelle Bergant Jeffreys (Patrick); grandsons Riley Jeffreys and Sawyer Jeffreys; sisters Patricia Bergant Weitkamp and Kathy Bergant Staten; nieces Laurie Held Biehl (John) and Katy Held Goodwin; nephew Jason Held (Sheryl); great-nieces Kasi Goodwin Phillips (Jason) and Emily Biehl Erbach (Nick); great-nephews Jack Biehl and Matthew Goodwin; great-great-niece Kenzee Phillips; and beloved dogs Shadow and Sassy. Visitation will be held at Crain’s Funeral Home – Downtown, 1421 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12-2pm. The funeral service will begin immediately after with Minister Michael Williams officiating, followed by a processional and burial service at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park, 31 Memorial Dr, Murphysboro, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Michael (aka Bulldog) Stanley Bergant

August 16, 1949 - June 1, 2026