Erma was born on May 20, 1930 near La Salle to Gottlieb and Frieda (Reck) Vogel. Erma grew up in Portland, Oregon from 1933 to 1946 and then moved back to Weld County. She attended school in Portland and then Greeley high schools.
On January 25, 1948 Erma married Albert “Al” Croissant at La Salle Baptist Church. They resided on a farm in Hardin until moving to a ranch in New Raymer in 1974. Erma was very resourceful with life on the farm; her kitchen was an extension of her generosity. She enjoyed raising her family, raising chickens and gardening, and was an excellent seamstress.
Erma always made holidays very special. She enjoyed traveling and especially loved the ocean.
She was a member of La Salle Baptist church for many years, and the last church she attended was Sherwood Park Baptist. Among the many talents she had, Erma loved to sing. She was in the church choir; Erma taught Sunday school, Bible school and played the piano.
Al and Erma moved to Greeley after retiring from the ranch. After Al’s passing in 1990, she was a baker at Toddy’s.
In June 1993 she married Walter Bergendahl in Fort Collins.
After Walter’s death, she became part of the Garden Square Memory Care family where she was given much love and care.
Throughout her life, she strived to make people feel welcome. Children held a special place in her heart.
Erma is survived by her mother, Frieda Vogel of Greeley; one brother, Vernon (Shirley) Vogel of Greeley; two daughters, Kathy (Mike) Miles of Westminister and Susan Croissant of Eaton; two sons, Rod Croissant of Greeley and Rick Croissant of Cheyenne, Wyoming; a son-in-law, Jim Barco of Greeley; five grandchildren, Kari (Nicolas) Lezama of Greeley, Christopher Croissant and Cassandra Croissant both of Washington, Ben Barco of Greeley and Joe Barco and great-grandchildren, Elysia and Talia Lezama, Vera Croissant, and Hayden, Nola and Breckin Croissant.
She was preceded in death by her father, her husbands; a brother, Edward Vogel and a sister, Virginia Roth.
Friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Monday at Stoddard Funeral Home. Interment Tuesday at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 10 a.m., Memorial service at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northern Colorado and/or Alzheimer’s Association in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.
Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0