Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Bergen Petker , Rosella June 26, 1994 ********************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm ********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com July 26, 2005, 1:32 am The Bakersfield Californian Petker, Rosella Bergen "Rosie" 1912 - 2005 Rosella Bergen Petker (Rosie) Services: Thurs., July 28, 11 a.m. Rosella Bergen Petker "Rosie", was born June 17, 1912 in Dinuba, CA to Jacob and Katherine Bergen, Mennonite German immigrants from Ukraine. She was the last survivor of her eight brothers and sisters. Rosie grew up in the Shafter area and began working at age 14 as a chambermaid at the now historic Green Hotel. September 2, 1930 she married Thomas Petker. Two children were born of the marriage, Robert and Norma. In 1937 the family moved to the Kern County Land Companys Calloway Ranch (now a golf course) where she and her mother-in- law were the cooks for a large crew of men who lived and boarded at the ranch. By 1943 the family had bought a farm in the Wasco area. Thomas and Rosie rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ and became active in the Mennonite Brethren Church in Shafter. They found their gift was hospitality and the place to serve the Lord was in the kitchen. In 1959 when Thomas lost his life in a tragic automobile accident. Rosie, at age 47 realized she had to be self- sufficient and looked forward with her characteristic optimism. She leased the farm, bought a large home in Wasco and took in boarders, mostly teachers from the Wasco schools. She also became the regular caterer for the Kiwanis Clubs and the Christian Business Mens Clubs in the Shafter and Wasco area. Rosie moved to Bakersfield in 1968 and joined the Presbyterian Church. When the church started having Wednesday evening dinners and noon lunches, Rosie was asked to come on staff as the church caterer. Rosie loved her job. It was never difficult for her to find helpers to assist. Often, when she knew of someone, gentleman or lady, who seemed to be lonely or had lost a loved one, she would invite them to join her kitchen crew. Her helpers loved her because she was kind and considerate and easy to work with, as well as being competent and well organized in the kitchen. She continued in this position for 24 years and retired at age 87. Rosie traveled extensively in the States and Europe. Her loving concern and support of her children and grandchildren was always uppermost in her mind. She lived independently until May 2004 when a fall prompted her to move to Carriage House Estates. She suffered a massive stroke on June 14, 2005 and passed away peacefully on June 26, 2005 in Bakersfield, CA. with her family at her bedside. Private interment in the Shafter Cemetery was held June 29, 2005. Her survivors are her son, Robert Petker, daughter Norma Steward; grandchildren Anne Dickau, Allan Petker, Jan Wolfe, Tom Steward and Cindy Meek; great-grandchildren Joshua Petker, Elyce Petker, Jennifer Dickau Robinson (expecting the first great-great grandchild), Colin Dickau, Billy and Tiffany Wolfe, Andrew, Ryan and Daniel Steward, Jessica, Justann and Samuel Meek plus many nieces and nephews and friends. The family expresses appreciation to Odyssey Hospice and Valley Convalescent Hospital for their attentive care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a contribution to your favorite charity. Legacy.com Published in the Bakersfield Californian from 7/25/2005 - 7/27/2005. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. Obituaries http://www.legacy.com/bakersfield/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/bergenpe8520gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb