Robert A. Bergemann

RACINE - Born in Racine, Wis. September 16, 1952, Robert "Bob" Bergemann was a friend to all who knew him until his unexpected death on February 22, 2010. The eldest of two boys, Bob and his brother grew up in Racine. He attended St. Mary's primary school and graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1970. Bob met Joan Sikes of Racine in 1972, fell in love and the pair were married September 13, 1975. Their family grew over the next few years to include one son and two daughters. In addition to his passion for his family and extended family, Bob also had a passion for learning, traveling, giving to the community and his 37-year career at SC Johnson Wax. Bob's education included welding, electrical engineering and stationary engineering. He was a part-time fireman for Caledonia and a First Responder at Johnson Wax. When he wasn't engrossed in learning or discussing new technologies, Bob was engrossed in music and travel. Bob played bass guitar in the "Flat Iron Band", acted as a sound engineer for other bands and over the last decade was a volunteer security officer for the Country Thunder music festival. Bob enjoyed annual outings to the Milwaukee Brewers, camping throughout Wisconsin and discovering new additions at the Disney World theme parks during his annual family vacations. Bob so loved his thirty years of family vacations at Disney that he even dreamed of one day developing his own travel videos showing behind-the-scenes and growth of the many parks. A good son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend to many, Bob will be greatly missed. He is survived by wife, Joan (Sikes) Bergemann; son, Eric Bergemann; daughters Michelle Velnestke (Michael), and Cheryl Bergemann (Bob Weinke). His laughter will be celebrated by his grandchildren Rebecca Bergemann, Billy Bergemann, Bobby Weinke, Rachel Weinke and Lily Velnestke. His childhood antics will be celebrated by his brother Don Bergemann. His family loyalty will be celebrated by his loving mother-in-law Rosalind Sikes. His friendship will be celebrated by his extended family, brothers-in-law Jerry Sikes (Julie), Jay Sikes (Gena), sisters-in-law Janet Sikes (Ellis Smith), Joy Luna (Steve) and Gloria Sikes. His kind and giving soul will be celebrated by the many nieces and nephews who adored him. Bob will be welcomed with open arms into eternity by those who preceded him including his parents Ray and Alice Bergemann, father-in-law James H. Sikes, and brother-in-law James E. Sikes. Funeral services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Saturday February 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jason Holm of Northside Calvary Church officiating. Burial will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time. STURINO FUNERAL HOME 3014 Northwestern Avenue 632-4479 www.sturinofuneralhome.com