Gerald Arthur
Bergemann
- Visitation will take place 9-10:45 am on Friday, April 4th
- St. John’s Lutheran Church (7809 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213)
- Christian funeral service at 11:00 am.
Gerald Arthur Bergemann
November 30, 1933 – March 28, 2025
Gerald Arthur Bergemann, born November 30, 1933, was called to his heavenly home on March 28, 2025 at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, S.J. and Neva Bergemann, and brother Robert. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Janet (née Holzhueter); his children Julie (Jonathan) Balge, Jay Bergemann, and Jonathan (Amanda) Bergemann, grandchildren Rebecca (Aaron) Frigge, Joseph Balge, Benjamin (Erika) Balge, Rachel Balge; Elizabeth (Benjamin) Melott, Neva Bergemann, Ella Bergemann, Micah Bergemann, and great-grandchildren Everley and Emerson Melott.
“Jerry”, as he was often to known to friends and family, was baptized into God’s family on December 25th, 1933, by Pastor Erwin Scharf in West Allis, Wisconsin. While still a toddler, his family moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he would spend the remainder of his childhood and youth. He graduated from St. Mark Lutheran School in 1947, and Northwestern Preparatory School in 1951.
After two years at Northwestern College, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. There he honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict, being assigned to the B-36 “Peacemaker,” the largest combat aircraft ever built.
Following his service in the Air Force, he obtained a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, graduating in 1961. This was a big year for Jerry, as he would marry Janet Holzhueter on August 12 of that year. Also, that year he was called to teach at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This was the beginning of a teaching career that spanned 38 years (1961-1999).
While at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Jerry taught World History, becoming the Department Chair, Geography, and Physical Education while also serving as an assistant football coach. Additionally, he served as a teacher for Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College.
From his days playing football and baseball for some of the most successful teams in Northwestern Prep history, Jerry had a passion for sports. This could be seen especially in his long and successful officiating career. He umpired baseball and men’s and women’s softball at all levels for nearly 50 years, earning the Wisconsin USSSA Slo Pitch Softball Umpire of the Year award in 1985, as well as the Wisconsin Umpire Association Umpire of the Year award in 2002. He served as a scorer for the State High School Basketball Tournament for over 30 years and also logged that many years running the score clock for Wisconsin Lutheran College basketball. His last game “on the clock” at WLC was in 2020 at age 86.
Most of all, he was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and teacher, whose greatest joy was to see the gift of Jesus passed down to the next generation. He now is at peace with Jesus, and by God’s grace he hears heaven’s welcome, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your Master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
Visitation will take place on Friday, April 4th at St. John’s Lutheran Church (7809 Harwood Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin) from 9:00 am to 10:45 am, with a Christian funeral service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service.
Memorials may be given to Wisconsin Lutheran High School or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa.
www.heritagefuneral.com
May God wrap his loving arms around your family. Jerry was not only my teacher when I went to Wlhs. But a wonderful friend. Being a volunteer at wisco I always enjoy when he came to visit the concession stand.
He will truly be missed but our loving Savior will take care of him
So sorry to hear that Pastor Bergemann passed.
It was wonderful working for Pastor and Janet @ Parkwood and reminiscing all about the great times that we had at WLHS.
He will be greatly missed by all!
Great teacher great man. He was a favorite teacher to many , I am sure.
God really blessed us with this man.
Last time I saw him was at Walmart in Delafield , WI many years ago.
Celebrating Life! May God’s grace and mercy be upon you all during this time.
Dearest Jan and family,
Pastor Joel Leyrer, Lorna and Christopher send our deepest condolences. We learned today that your beloved, Jerry, is home with Jesus, at last. We are sad but at the same time we rejoice with you that your husband, father and grandfather has his crown and rests from his labors at Jesus feet. We will not be able to be with you on Friday but each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Remember, Pastor L always says, “ Christians never say goodbye but, see you later.”
Dearest Jan, I just read the newspaper and saw that your very special husband is with Jesus I rejoice for him! Not only did you always have a place in my heart but so did he, I remember him well from my WLHS years, 1963-1967. He was loved by all.
What a great blessing we have waiting for us, not only a wonderful reunion with our loved ones in Christ, but we will be with our Savior!
It has been many years since I saw you last but I’ve never forgotten your care, friendship, and kindness.
I so wish I could be at the funeral, I must be at work, but I will be there in spirit.
Love, Susan Tesch Waldhuetter.
Dear Jan,
Dave and I send our sincere sympathies on the loss of your dear husband. We grieve with you, but also know he has his victory and is now with our Lord. May God give you strength and bless your coming days.
We both remember him fondly from our WISCO days.
I just read on the recent call report that my dear friend and former co-worker, Jerry Bergmann had passed away. Another one of the “old guard” is now in heaven. As a part time member of the Social Studies department I admired Jerry in teaching World History and as my department chairman. Condolences to his wife Janet and all of their children and grandchildren. Jerry was an excellent teacher and good friend.