Louise Bergmann

Louise Ann Bergmann, 81, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at her home surrounded by her husband of 57 years and loving family. She was born on November 19, 1943, in Central Lake, MI, the daughter of Christopher and Catherine (Weisler) Hebden.

Louise graduated from Central Lake High School in 1962, where she passionately participated in basketball, softball, and cheerleading, along with being the 1961-62 fall Homecoming Queen. She attended Central Michigan University and later Cosmetology School, leading her to a lifelong career as a successful salon owner and stylist. Her career as a stylist allowed her to combine her passion and joy with helping people look their best, while nurturing kindness into the lives of others!

Louise was first married to William J. Taylor III (East Jordan, MI) on September 4, 1965, who immediately left for Vietnam and was KIA on November 20, 1965. They had one son, William J. Taylor IV.

Douglas (Doug) C. Bergmann and Louise later met and married on May 4, 1968, her loving husband of 57 years, and they had a son, Douglas M. Bergmann, and Doug became stepdad to William. The family resided in Charlevoix, MI, and were committed residents of the community and schools as avid supporters of the community and Rayder Nation.

Louise and Doug’s son Douglas M. Bergmann married Julie (Bush) Bergmann and had two children, Louise’s adored grandchildren Annie and Emmett, residing in Charlevoix, MI. Her passion and commitment to her grandchildren was beyond compare, and for her GRAND years the center of her joy and energy. Their son William is engaged to Susan Gilchrest and resides in Colleyville, TX. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Catherine Hebden, in laws William D. and Mary Ellen Taylor, in laws Ted and Rose Bergmann, her brothers Roy Hebden (wife, Louise, deceased), John (wife, Ruth Ann) Hebden, James (Jim) Hebden, her sisters Martha (Hebden) Moore (husband, Mike, deceased), Margaret (Hebden) Murphy (husband, Morris), brother in laws Bruce Bergmann (wife, Sue), Charles Bergmann (wife, Sherry), and Jim Bergmann (wife, Dianna, deceased).

In addition to the members of her immediate family, she is survived by her brother Christopher Hebden, Sr (wife Francis, deceased), sisters Betty (Hebden) Chaney (husband Bob, deceased), Dorothy (Hebden) Drenth (husband Larry), sister-in-law Judie (Taylor) Vivian (husband Jim), brother in laws Jack Bergmann (wife Sherrel), Ken Bergmann (wife, Sue), and sister in law Lois (Bergmann) Michelin (husband Paul, deceased), numerous nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

Louise’s passions were many such as her Nashville and Gatlinburg, TN music trips and events, dancing at any opportunity, outdoor pursuits around camping, boating, and tending to her yard and flower gardens as the consummate farmer’s daughter. Her contagious smile and passion can be found in the beauty of the flowers she tended to around her home. However, her strongest love language was cooking for her family and extended family of her children and grandchildren. Mom or Grandma Louise was known for her excellent photography skills, being the Number #1 unofficial (official) Rayder Nation team documentarian for many years, and number one fan of all things Charlevoix Rayders.

The Doug Bergmann family would like to acknowledge all the health professionals of Munson Hospital of Traverse City and Charlevoix, your commitment and personal care of Louise will be forever remembered. In addition, the excellent services and care from Hospice of Michigan, and the angel among us, her personal care giver, Lisa Smith. Lisa will forever be part of our family!

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 6th, 2025, at the First Congregational Church, 101 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, and again on Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Memory of Louise Ann Bergmann can be made to Hospice of Michigan or Pete Spieles Cross Country Scholarship Fund (housed at the Charlevoix Community Foundation).

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.