Racine – Joseph Aloysius Bergemann, age 93, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on Sunday, January 19, 2014. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather and friend to many.
Joseph was born in Racine on March 12, 1920, to the late Francis and Bernadine (Gement) Bergemann. One of 13 children, he was a 1938 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. Joseph was united in marriage to Jeanne (nee: Castonguay) in Racine on October 14, 1950, at Holy Name Church.
Joseph was employed by J.I. Case Company, a design engineer for 44 years. He was a member of ASAE (American Society of Agricultural Engineers), the Case Choraliers, and the Retirees Golf Club. He was an usher at St. Paul Catholic Church and enjoyed photography, golf, and woodworking.
Surviving are his wife, Jeanne; three daughters and sons-in-law, Carole (Robert) Pirk of Racine, Joanne (Robert) Huebner of Midlothian, VA, Anne (John) Cejka of Chesterfield, VA; grandchildren, Robert (Lisa) Pirk, Nicole (Brian) DeKeuster, Laurie (Mike) Reda, Allison Huebner, Brandi Cejka, Timothy Cejka, Alex Cejka; two sisters, Agnes (Peter) LaBrasca and Sr. Mary Hope Bergemann.
In addition to his parents, Joseph as preceded in death by siblings, Ferdinand (Gertrude) Bergemann, Matthew (Sylvia) Bergemann, Francis Bergemann, Walter (Adeline) Bergemann, Marianne (Ray) Niesen, Leonard (Mildred) Bergemann, Bernard (Zita Marie) Bergemann, Margaret (Sr. Faith) Bergemann, Clarence Bergemann, Raymond (Adelaide) Bergemann, and brother-in-law Peter LaBrasca.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 23, 2014, 12:00 noon, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, Racine, with Reverend Terrance J. Huebner officiating. Visitation will be held in the church prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice have been suggested by the family.
Joseph’s family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Gierahn, Julie and Kathy from Wheaton Franciscan Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Xie, and Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room.
Angela Almond says
To Anne and her family,
It is my prayer that God comfort you and give you His peace at this time of your father’s passing.
Angela Almond
Bon Secours Maryview Hospital
Rob&Lisa says
Grandpa’s “Promise” Prayer;
Today I pray:
To promise myself to be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all of my friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature I meet a smile 😀
To give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Amen.
Pam Bass says
You are in my prayers. What a blessing that Joe was able to be at home surrounded by his loving family.
May God bless you and comfort you with your memories and wrap you in His love.
Pam
Rob says
Grandpa’s Golf “Club” 🙂 Years ago, a famous golfer accepted an invitation from the king of Saudi Arabia to play golf together for several days. Afterwards the king asked Joe what he wanted as a gift- “anything you want”. The King insisted that he must be given something, so Joe finally gave in and said, “Okay, fine. I collect golf clubs. Why don’t you give me a nice club?” Weeks went by and Joe imagined possibly receiving a solid gold putter or a diamond-studded sand wedge from the oil-rich king until a certified letter arrived. Inside he discovered a deed to a five-hundred-acre golf course in America. 😉 Sometimes kings think differently than you and I think. And keep in mind that we serve the King of kings. Dream accordingly! For; No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.__1Corinthians_2:9__
SUZANNE A. BERGEMANN says
A Bergemann by marriage and love I am so very sad to lose
another family member. Please accept my condolences and know that Uncle Joe touched all of our hearts. He is with his Heavenly Father. I shall keep you in my daily prayers.