Ret. CMSgt Ralph Bergsieker Passes Away at 79

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Ret. CMSgt Ralph F. Bergsieker, a longtime Air Force mechanic who spent much of his 30-year career stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Portales, New Mexico, passed away on February 14, 2026 at the age of 79. Bergsieker, who was born in Missouri and met his wife Joy while stationed at Cannon, retired from the Air Force in 1996 and continued working on the base until 2020 when he retired to care for his ailing wife, who passed away in 2021 after over 53 years of marriage.

Why it matters

Bergsieker's life story reflects the experiences of many career military members who served during the Vietnam War era, with multiple overseas deployments and long tenures at the same base. His dedication to his work, family, and community in Portales highlights the lasting impact that military service can have on a local area.

The details

Bergsieker enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 to avoid being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He served as a mechanic for 30 years, with assignments in Vietnam, Turkey, and Korea in addition to his time at Cannon Air Force Base. After retiring from the military in 1996, he continued working at the base bowling alley and in aircraft transit services until 2020. Bergsieker was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed gardening and raising livestock in his free time.

• Bergsieker was born on December 3, 1946 in Higginsville, Missouri.
• He enlisted in the Air Force in 1966, during the Vietnam War.
• Bergsieker married his wife Joy in Portales, New Mexico on December 23, 1967 while stationed at Cannon Air Force Base.
• He retired from the Air Force in 1996 after 30 years of service.
• Bergsieker passed away on February 14, 2026 at the age of 79.