Our loving wife, mom, and nanny, Jean Alma Bergenthal of Frisco, Texas joined our Lord on the morning of June 5, 2024, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her devoted family when she peacefully was called home to Heaven. Jean and her twin sister Joan were born on April 29, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to loving parents Mildred (Tenner) and Arthur Schroeter.
Jean grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she graduated from Pulaski High School and began her career at AC Spark Plug. Unbeknownst to Jean, her future husband, James “Jim” Bruce Bergenthal was an engineer employed with the same company. Jean and Jim’s love story began when their coworker set them up on a blind date, and eventually led to their wedding on December 28, 1963.
After they married, Jean continued working until her dear daughter, Cheri Marie was born. Jean and Jim were also blessed with sons Michael Arthur and David John while they were living in their home in Caledonia Wisconsin. After David was born, they relocated first to Santa Barbara California, and later to Greendale Wisconsin, Kokomo Indiana, Mequon Wisconsin and Greenville South Carolina. Jean collected many lasting friendships along the way. Jean was a wonderful mom and volunteered with the various schools and churches. They retired to Bluffton, South Carolina, and Jean and Jim hosted many fun beach trips with their children and grandchildren in Hilton Head where they made amazing memories.
Jean found joy in planning a day of fun and activities for everyone. From charades to hand-and-foot to mahjong, Jean loved engaging with family and friends in any lively, fun game. Jean was also an accomplished tennis player, competing in the United States Tennis Association’s 3.0 ladies’ doubles tournament where her team placed third in the nation. Jean went on to enjoy pickleball in her later years, and her playful spirit lit up the court.
Their last move was to Frisco, Texas. Jean was a woman of many talents and interests, with her unwavering faith at the forefront of everything she did as a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Jean was known for her detailed, handmade cards that she shared with her family and friends. No matter the occasion, even if she was just thinking of you, you could expect a beautiful, handmade card in the mail from Jean. The phrase she inscribed on her cards, “Sharing His Love”, not only served as her signature but captured the essence of who Jean was.
Jean is remembered for her beautiful smile, joyous laugh, and the way she lit up every room with her welcoming presence and warmth. Her kindness and compassion for others were endless and felt through her remembrance of special dates and details, her nurturing and caring spirit, and her devotion to the loving word of God.
Jean will be deeply missed by her husband Jim, her family, and her friends. Jean’s legacy of Sharing His Love will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing to all who were touched by Jean’s remarkable life.
Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Bergenthal of Frisco, Texas; her three children, Cheri Marie Bennett and her husband Bryan of Plano, Texas, Michael Arthur Bergenthal and his wife Debbie of McKinney, Texas, David John Bergenthal and his wife Paige of Taylors, South Carolina; her six grandchildren, Nathan Bennett, Nicholas Bennett, Cassidy Bergenthal, Cayla Bergenthal, Hailey Bergenthal and Davis Bergenthal; her sister Marlene Durst and her husband Roger of Woodstock, Georgia, and her twin sister Joan Clauer and her husband Jerry of Muskego, Wisconsin; and many other loving family and friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur, Mildred, and Frances Schroeter.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 17th, at 11:30 am in the chapel at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033, with a Rosary beginning at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033. There will be a reception immediately following at the church in the Great Hall.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean Bergenthal be made to The Bella House:
Donation Website: https://bellahouse.networkforgood.com/projects/215845-support-bella-house-2024
Mailing Address:
The Bella House
PO Box 940802
Plano, TX 75094
Contact Information:
972-379-7450
contact@bellahouse.org