MENNO ISAAC BERGEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MENNO ISAAC BERGEN Peacefully, surrounded by family, Menno passed away at the age of 95 on Friday, January 17, 2014 at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg. Menno is survived by his children David (Patricia Baker), Paul, Betsy, Lois (Robert Elms), and Kate; grandsons Daniel and Jonah Bergen; step-grandsons Robert, Patrick and Benjamin McMahon; siblings Emma Janzen, Norman Bergen, Verna Bartel, and Leona (John) Krause, and sisters-in-law Jansje (Dave) Warkentin and Sarah Klaassen. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Esther (nee Klaassen) in 2005; siblings Rosa, Bruno, Tony, and Edna; daughter-in-law Jennifer Siemens; brothers-in-law Wally Janzen, Elmer Booth, Wilmer Bartel, and Allen Bowers, and sister-in-law Irma Bergen. Dad was born on December 10, 1918, in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, the first child of Isaac and Anna Bergen (nee Epp) and grew up on the family farm. Dad attended public school in Aberdeen, completing Grades 1 to 12 in 10 years, following which he attended Rosthern Bible School. During the Second World War, after being drafted, he registered as a Conscientious Objector. He began his alternative service in Prince Albert National Park, but soon felt called to enlist, which he did in August 1941. Dad served with No. 8 Canadian General Hospital, leaving Canada in March 1942 and returning December 1945. In fall 1949, Dad moved to Winnipeg to attend Canadian Mennonite Bible College, graduating in 1952. While there, he met and fell in love with Esther Klaassen. They married on August 12, 1952 and moved to North Newton, Kansas, so that Dad could continue his theological studies at Bethel College. Their first son, David, was born there. Dad attained a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, Chicago, in 1956. Their second son, Paul, was born there. In 1956, Dad and Mom were called by the Commission on Overseas Mission of the General Conference Mennonite Church to serve as missionaries in Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. They served there for 12 years, during which time two daughters, Betsy and Lois, were born. There followed a two-year stay in Manitoba, during which time daughter Kate was born and Dad taught at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna. In 1970 the family moved to Taber, Alberta. Dad was pastor at both the Taber and Vauxhall Mennonite Churches. In July 1975, they moved to Herbert, Saskatchewan, where Dad was pastor of the Herbert Mennonite Church until 1978. He then became a bookkeeper at the Herbert Nursing Home, retiring to Winnipeg in 1985. He and Mom served as deacons at Bethel Mennonite Church, worked with refugees, and were chaplains at Health Sciences Centre. In 1987, Dad and Mom moved into Bethel Place, where Dad volunteered in various capacities. After Mom's death, he continued living there until 2011, when he moved into Rosewood assisted living facility. In 2012, his veteran status enabled him to move directly into Deer Lodge Centre Personal Care Home. Throughout his life, Dad was an avid reader, taking a particular interest in current world and local events. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing card games, and watching baseball and curling. He also loved attending classical music concerts, especially with Mom, and listening to the radio and his favourite CDs. Even as his memory declined, his sharp wit and infectious smile remained a steadfast tribute to a life well-lived. Dad's faith, shaped by the Anabaptist Mennonite tradition in which he was raised, was always central to his life. As a young man, he was baptized upon confession of faith at Aberdeen Mennonite Church. But it was in the army, during a revival meeting in England, that he experienced the full realization and wonder of God's love for him. As he put it, for the first time he "felt assurance, doubly sure". The words, service, devotion, and discipleship, express how Dad lived out his faith. In family life, Dad modelled his Christian faith by leading daily devotions, reading scripture, and taking time to pray. Dad practised discipleship through humility, stewardship, simple living and peace-making. We would like to thank the caring people who have made our Dad's health and well-being their personal concern, including medical professionals, home care workers, staff and volunteers at Bethel Place, and staff at Rosewood. We would also like to thank the staff of Deer Lodge Centre for welcoming Dad into their circle of love and devoted care for the past two years, and for extending their sincere support to his family in the final week of his life. There will be an informal viewing on Thursday, January 23, 2014, between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., with viewing at 9:00 a.m., at Bethel Mennonite Church. There will be a reception after the service, followed by interment at Mennonite Memorial Gardens. In respect of those with allergies and scent-sensitivity, please do not send flowers. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030
Publish Date: Jan 21, 2014

MENNO ISAAC BERGEN December 10, 1918 - January 17, 2014 Peacefully, surrounded by family, Menno passed away on Friday, January 17, 2014, at Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg, at the age of 95. Menno, our Dad, is survived by his children David (Patricia Baker), Paul, Betsy, Lois (Robert Elms), and Kate. Dad is also survived by grandsons Daniel and Jonah Bergen; stepgrandsons Robert, Patrick and Benjamin McMahon; siblings Emma Janzen, Norman Bergen, Verna Bartel, and Leona (John) Krause; and sisters-in-law Jansje (Dave) Warkentin and Sarah Klaassen. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Esther (nee Klaassen), in 2005; daughter-in-law Dr. Jennifer Siemens, in 2008; siblings Rosa, Bruno, Tony, and Edna; brothers-in-law Wally Janzen, Elmer Booth, Wilmer Bartel, and Allen Bowers; and sister-in-law Irma Bergen. Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014, come and go from 7:00 9:00 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church with viewing at 9:00 a.m. There will be a reception after the service, followed by interment at Mennonite Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In respect of those with allergies and scent-sensitivity, please do not send flowers. Longer obituary to follow. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-103
Publish Date: Jan 20, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2014