Gretchen Marie Bergman was born in La Mesa, California on October 30, 1938, to Mike and Helen Woods. She was raised by her father, Mike who was a San Diego police officer. Gretchen always loved and was involved in all things related to sports. She loved to be outside, and as a child loved traveling with her aunt and uncle who worked as photographers for National Geographic. Gretchen loved camping in Tuscan, Arizona with them.

Gretchen had plans to attend the University of Arizona to study Physical Education in hopes of becoming a PE teacher. Those plans changed when she met a sailor by the name of Fred Bergman at a social dance in San Diego.

Gretchen married Fred on August 3, 1957, in San Diego, CA and they moved to Minnesota where Fred was originally from. By June of 1958, the couple had their first son, John (Kay). Shortly after, Fred's job as an air traffic controller had them moving to Detroit, Michigan. Their second son, Jim (Brenda) was born in Detroit in April of 1961. In 1962, they were transferred to and settled in Farmington, MN. Gretchen was a stay-at-home mom. She liked to say that she was a domestic engineer. Her sons lovingly called her The Commander.

Gretchen always had a very active social life. She loved to golf. Gretchen enjoyed following and attending high school sports ~ especial the FHS Girls Softball team. Gretchen enjoyed playing cards. She loved getting together with her card group and playing her weekly card game with her good friend, Irene Krohn. She loved walking with her friends, outings to the casino and hosting friend groups at her home for lunches and dinner parties.

Gretchen was and Election Judge in Farmington for 49 years. She was one of the original organizers and volunteers for Farmington's Ramble & Amble, helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society for 28 years. Gretchen was a staple at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington where she volunteered to serve at funerals, count offering money after mass, and serve in any capacity where she was need. Her Faith meant so much to her. Gretchen also volunteered at Farmington Elementary School where she would read with first grade students once a week.

Gretchen loved to travel domestically and abroad. She went on many trips with the Castle Rockers and girlfriends.

Gretchen is proceeded in death by her husband (Fred Bergman), father (Mike Woods), mother (Helen Young), Stepmother (Evelyn Woods). She is survived by her sons John and Jim (aka. Bergie) and daughters-in-law Kay and Brenda. Gretchen will truly be missed by her family. She is finally at peace and free from the grip of dementia

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Farmington on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:00AM. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be private/family only.

The family would like to thank Natalie Borman, Kari Edwards, Irene Krohn, the staff at Trinity Care Center, everybody at Bee Hive Homes – Memory Care, and Grace Hospice. Your outstanding care, kindness, and compassion were a blessing. We are so grateful to all of you. You are special people and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of Gretchen's favorite organizations: Grace Hospice, Gilda Radner Foundation, American Cancer Society.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com