A funeral will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 for 93-year-old Emerita R. Bergtholdt who passed away Friday, April 11, 2025 at The Oaks at Eagle Landing in Stockbridge, Georgia.
She was born May 21, 1931 in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., daughter of Joseph A. Baechle, Sr. and Julitta M. Baechle who both preceded her in death.
She married Robert Donald Bergtholdt he preceded her in death.
She is survived by: three sons: Robert D. Bergtholdt of Maryland Heights, Mo., Daniel R. Bergtholdt of North Augusta, SC., and Stephen J. Bergtholdt of Danville, Calif.; four daughters: Susan J. Berger of Elysburg, PA, Patricia A. Gadell of Saint Louis, MO, Janet R. Crosby of Milton, FL, and Dawn Y. Levins of McDonough, GA; 14 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren
She was also preceded in death by four sisters: Loretta Thomas, Lorraine Jenrette, Rosella Kellner, and Wilma Nations; three brothers: Elmer Baechle, Joseph Baechle, Jr., and Vincent Baechle.
Emerita Rose (Baechle) Bergtholdt aka Dee, Deet, Deeda, Pete and Bumba attended Ste Genevieve High School where she excelled in many activities, especially playing the drums in the marching band. It was there that she met her husband, Robert Bergtholdt.
After marriage, she stayed busy at home with seven children to raise. She was active in her parish gardening club, women’s Marian Guild, Altar Society, as well as all grade school activities involving her children. As her children moved on to high school, she continued her involvement in their sports and after-school activities. She earned her favorite title, Bumba, when she became a grandma.
Emerita enjoyed growing roses around her patio to share with others, and grew vegetables in her garden to can and supplement the family’s diet. She enjoyed traveling and did so extensively all over the world, visiting her children and seeing new places. She loved to dance and was a member of the St. Louis Metro Polka Club.
Known for her delicious blackberry and raspberry jelly, and peach and strawberry preserves she made, she loved it all. Emerita was an animal lover, raising cats since she was a young girl and dogs were always under foot; she taught her kids to love all animals. When she got older, she would spend hours watching birds of all species – her favorites were cardinals and bluebirds – squirrels, chipmunks, deer and even hawks eat from her birdfeeders. All while her three cats chattered at her side.
Emerita was fun-loving, with a contagious laugh and a huge heart. Her family was everything to her and the more people that gathered at her house, the happier she was! Her favorite color was orange, the brighter the better, so if you have some when you come to say your goodbye, the family requests that you join them in wearing it.
Visitation will be 9-11:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Basler Funeral Home in Sainte Genevieve, Mo.
A funeral for 93-year-old Emerita R. Bergtholdt will be held at the Church of Ste. Genevieve Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:30 am. The Rev. Anthony Gerber will officiate.
Burial will be at Valle Spring Cemetery in Sainte Genevieve, Mo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society) or Alzheimer’s Association
Online condolences can be left at www.baslerfuneralhome.com