Waldemar George Bergdolt, 91, of Perryville, Missouri, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
He was born June 16, 1934, in Frankenmuth, Michigan, to George and Emma (Kuhl) Bergdolt.
He was baptized June 24, 1934, and confirmed March 21, 1948, at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Waldemar attended school at St. Lorenz Lutheran School in Frankenmuth, Michigan; Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan; Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin; and Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois.
He and Lorna Kruckenberg were married June 18, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowden, Iowa. She preceded him in death on August 21, 2023.
Waldemar taught in Lutheran schools at Ulm, Arkansas; Raymondville, Texas; Lowden, Iowa; Kilmanagh, Michigan; Westlake, Ohio; Alma, Missouri; Linn, Kansas; and Altenburg, Missouri, for 30 years. He then worked at Solar Communication for 19 years.
He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, Missouri, since 1986, where he served as Elder, sang in the Men’s & Adult Choir, and served many years on the Evangelism Board.
Waldemar loved spending time with his family, children, and grandchildren; volunteering at church; gardening; raising fruit trees; and playing the trumpet in the Ensemble and Brass Choir at church.
Survivors include two sons, Karl (Rebecca) Bergdolt of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Kurt (Kate) Bergdolt of Lincoln, Nebraska; two daughters, Kathryn (Keith) Kirby of Stewardson, Illinois, and Karol (Kelly) Bailey of Ballwin, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, Aaron (Kaitlyn) Kirby, Ethan Kirby, Lara Bergdolt, Carolyn Bergdolt, Elizabeth (Erik) Fuerniss, Jacob Bergdolt, Timothy Bergdolt, Natalie (Austin) Wright, Hannah Bergdolt, Lydia Bailey, Josiah Bailey, and Naomi Bailey; one great-grandchild, Nolan Kirby; and two great-grandchildren on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; five brothers-in-law, Leonard Sellnau, Merlon Kruckenberg, Norbert Kruckenberg, George Kruckenberg, and Robert Kruckenberg; and three sisters-in-law, Roberta Kruckenberg, Leanne Sellnau, and Bonnie Kruckenberg.
Visitation was held from 8 to 9:50 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, Missouri.
The funeral service took place at 10 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville, Missouri, with Rev. Joseph Schlie officiating.
Burial was at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Perryville, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Hour, or Worship Anew.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome. com.
