Edith Elli Bergmann

Edith Elli Klappert Bergmann, a strong woman, loving wife and mother, generous Oma (grandmother) and great grandmother, and devout disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away early Monday morning, on the 29th of September 2025.

Edith is survived by her loving and faithful husband Herbert Bergmann of 67 years, and her four children Janeen Merritt (Brent), Margrit Stout (Tim), Heidi Nelson (Mark), and Darren Bergmann (Ashley), 17 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, whose selfless care and devotion gave her the drive to overcome stomach cancer in 2018 and debilitating stroke in 2021. Edith’s strong will and devoted family supported her through chemo and remission, and valiant fight following the massive stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. Despite all her medical challenges, Edith was courageous and steadfast ‘til the very end.

Edith was born in Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany on October 19th, 1935. She was the oldest of five children and lived an idyllic German small-town life until WWII when her life was uprooted. She fled with her mother and family to Celle, Germany in the West as the Russians advanced from the East. It was here that her family was strengthened by their faith, love, and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their faith helped her family endure the hardships of war-torn Germany and the loss of her father. Edith’s family became the backbone of the church in the small community.

She loved Celle and grew up fiercely independent and faithful to the Lord. In her youth, she worked in a small shop selling and mending silk stockings to save money. In 1956, Edith accepted a call to serve in the Berlin, Germany mission, where she learned English from her American Companions. Edith served faithfully as she worked to bring those still suffering the effects of the war, peace and comfort.

After her mission she was called as Stake Young Women’s President. It was in this calling that she met Herbert while chaperoning a youth conference trip. Edith and Herbert cherished one another, but Edith was always a realist and pragmatist. One evening, after months of courtship, Edith insisted on breaking up with Herbert. She already had her ticket to sail to America and start a new life for herself and her family. However, unbeknownst to Edith, Herbert had purchased his own ticket to America, and was to set sail one day after Edith. This serendipitous coincidence allowed them to restart their courtship.

Edith and Herbert became reacquainted in Salt Lake City where Edith got a job at Siegfried’s, a German delicatessen. Edith and Herbert married in 1958 in the Salt Lake City Temple and settled in Provo where Herbert got a job at Geneva Steel. They had four beloved children: Janeen, Margrit, Heidi, and Darren. In 1975, Edith and Herbert were finally able to build their dream home in Indian Hills, and were content to remain there until Edith’s final years when her health declined.

Herbert and Edith also took great pleasure in traveling. They traveled all over Europe, the United States, South America, and Hong Kong. Edith loved Utah and all the beautiful national parks. She adored the outdoors and adventure. Edith always had a perfectly manicured yard, with many varieties of colorful flowers. Edith was meticulous about caring for her home, yard, self, but most of all, her family.

Edith had a talent for hosting. She loved gathering and cooking for family and friends. Her grandchildren remember her and her parties fondly, recalling her summer BBQs by the pool, and traditional German Christmas celebrations. Her generosity was manifested by showering children (and spouses), grandchildren, and great grandchildren with candy and gifts. Her greatest fear was that any of her family would ever suffer for need as she had as a child.

Striking, fabulous, stunning, and beautiful are just a few words commonly used to describe Edith Bergmann. Edith was iconically beautiful and always put together. She never left home without her makeup, perfect hair, and jewelry. She loved being dressed up and wearing heels– putting younger women to shame with her impeccable endurance and balance necessary to elicit her ever-poised beauty.

Edith’s life was full, bright, and brimming with adventure. Even to the end, Edith’s faith in Christ and love for family were strong. She served her family and the church tirelessly and her impact will continue for generations.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Gustavo Barragan and his team of caregivers from Bristol Hospice along with a special thanks to Ashley Bergmann (Darren), for the loving care they provided to Edith.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 12:30 pm at the Mapleton White Church, 31 West Maple Street, Mapleton, with a viewing held that morning from 11:00 am - Noon at the church prior to the services. Interment will be in the Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 North Timpview Drive (650 East), Provo.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.