Sept. 11, 1913 – Aug. 27, 2010


Petrea C. "Petie" Bergmann of Waukesha died Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at Oakhill Terrace in Waukesha at age 96. She was born Sept. 11, 1913, in St. Louis, the daughter of Theophilus and Jane (nee Good) Conzelman.

Petrea grew up in St. Louis, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English. On June 22, 1934, she married Robert D. Bergmann and together they settled in Milwaukee. Her husband’s business took her back to Missouri where she spent most of her married life. Gifted in writing, Petrea found her niche in poetry, short stories and later authored and published a historic novel titled "Go Ye Therefore," which traces the life and teachings of Jesus. Earning her teaching certificate, Petrea taught high school English with an emphasis in creative writing. Later, after earning her associate’s degree to be a registered nurse, she used her writing skills in developing procedural manuals for the various departments.

Petrea was always involved in her church and other Christian ministries, and because of her compassionate heart for all people, she devoted many hours to volunteering at such organizations as the City Union Mission in Kansas City, Prison Fellowship and Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County.

Upon retirement, Petrea and her husband returned to northern Wisconsin, and after his sudden death, she came to Waukesha where she spent the last 15 years. Now, at last, she is with her beloved husband and they rest together in the arms of Jesus.

Petrea will be dearly missed. She was the dear mother of Mary Dale B. (the late Erwin) Hausmann, Petrea B. (Robert) Brenckle, Robert A. (Gae) Bergmann and Martha B. (Layton) Conley; loving grandmother of Carol H. (Mark) Ryan, Elizabeth H. (Douglas) Niedt, Robert C. (Judi) Hausmann, Peter D. (Rona) Bergmann, William B. (Kathleen) Brenckle, Kathryn B. (Jeffrey) Gregersen and Jonathan L. Brenckle; and proud great-grandmother of 10 and great-great-grandmother of three. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Bergmann.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the 3 p.m. funeral service Friday, Sept. 3, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1205 S. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Peter Schmidt will preside. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Riverside Memorial Park in Fox Lake.

If desired, memorials are appreciated to Beautiful Savior Lutheran School (address above).

For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at 547-4035 or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an online tribute.