Emmett E. Bergman, 82, of St. Benedict, KS, died Wednesday morning, August 23, 2006 at his home.

He was born November 1, 1923, on a farm northwest of St. Benedict. He was one of nine children of Henry and Josephine Vondenkamp Bergman. Emmett attended St. Benedict School and was a self-taught natural mechanic for any kind of machinery. Emmett ran a successful repar shop business with his son Reg in St. Benedict for many years. Emmett was a well known and respected member of the local community.

On January 14, 1950, he married Hilda M. Wessel at Sacred Heart Church, Baileyville, KS. They lived many years in St. Benedict and later moved to their farm north of St. Benedict, which is their present home. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2000. Emmett enjoyed his occupation as a mechanic and a farmer.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, where he served on the church council. Besides enjoying working on machinery and farming, he took pleasure in being with his family and friends. His hobbies were fishing, collecting and restoring antique tractors, and playing cards.

Survivors are his wife of 56 years, Hilda, of the home; three sons, Reginald of St. Benedict, and Mark of Seneca, and Lyle of St. Louis, MO; five daughters, Judy Larkin of Topeka, Jeanette Holthaus of Centralia, Connie Huerter of Seneca, Marleen Holthaus of Axtell, and Lois Enneking of Bern; a brother, Donald of Harditon, NE; 4 sisters, Irene Heise of Livermore, CA, Edith Wessel of Lincoln, NE, Wilma Hunninghake of Baileyville, and Jerian Rethman of Seneca; 25 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry Jr., Ralph, and Kenneth; and one grandson, Nathan Bergman, on October 25, 1983.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Saturday at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed Friday at 2 & 7 PM at Lauer Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given for St. Mary’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.