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BORN
1921
DIED
2017
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Wilma Berggren Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Wilma Berggren age 96, of Knoxville, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Life Care of Blount County, where she resided since suffering a stroke in May, 2017. Wilma was born, September 21, 1921 in Wisconsin and married Reynold Berggren in 1945 in Chicago, Illinois. Wilma grew up in Sheldon, Wisconsin. After high school, she won a scholarship for nurse's training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. There she met the love of her life, Reynold "Rey" Berggren. They married and came to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where Rey was a nuclear physicist for the Manhattan Project and Wilma worked in the labs, moving to Knoxville in 1951. Completing her RN degree at St. Mary's Hospital in 1975, she taught in the St. Mary's School of Nursing until retiring in 1985. God was always central to their lives. They were devoted members of Smithwood Baptist Church, both being very active. Wilma taught her Sunday School class until two months before her stroke. Rey and Wilma loved traveling to the Holy Land with church friends as well as to Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Wilma was a natural and gifted teacher, a caring and professional nurse, a devout Bible scholar and the family poet. All looked forward to receiving a special poem written just for them on special occasions. She was secure in her love of the Lord and was ready to join Him in heaven.
Preceded in death by husband, Reynold Berggren.
Survivors: daughters, Bette Berggren Bryan and Karen Berggren; son-in-law, Richard Bryan; granddaughter, Laura Bryan; grandson, R. Benton Bryan II and wife Brenda Bryan; great-grandchildren, Hunter and Holland Bryan, and Olivia Cecil.
Family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 25 at Smithwood Baptist Church followed by a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. with Dr. David Crutchley officiating. Family and friends will meet 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Lynnhurst Cemetery for a 1:00 p.m. graveside service and interment. Serving the family, Stevens Mortuary, Oglewood Avenue at North Broadway. Mrs. Berggren's guestbook is available at www.stevensmortuaryinc.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilma Berggren
Sponsored by Stevens Mortuary - Knoxville.
Beverly Holmes
October 27, 2017
I just recieved the news of Mrs. Berggren's death and send my love and prayers to the family. I will always remember her fervent prayers on behalf of my family as we serve in Warsaw, Poland as church planters. Her life was a beautiful testimony to her Savior and Lord.
Susan Blankenship Connors
October 26, 2017
So so sorry I missed Ms. Wilma's funeral service! I will always hold her in high esteem. She was a mentor to me, in nursing, in missions, in teaching and caring. I hold dear the positive role model she was in her involvement in WMU and her teaching of nursing to me. I will always smile when someone says the name Wilma Berggren.
Bill Yarberry
October 24, 2017
Very sorry to hear of Mrs. Berggren's death. I only met her a few times but she was a most gracious person.
Janice Sitzlar
October 24, 2017
So sorry to hear about Wilma. She was a remarkable woman and great nurse.
Janice Brown Sitzlar
The Staff of Stevens Mortuary
October 24, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Jean Freshour
October 22, 2017
My friend, Wilma, was a remarkable woman. She was always the leader in front lines,always standing for what she believed. The world needs more like her. She will be very much missed. My deepest sympathy to Karen and Betty and families.
Karen Shuemaker
October 22, 2017
Betty, Karen and families....I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Wilma was a very very special Lady. She will always have a truly special place in my and my family's hearts.
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