HELEN BERGEN (DERKSEN, GIESBRECHT) (PETKAU)

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HELEN BERGEN (DERKSEN, GIESBRECHT) (nee PETKAU) April 22, 1922 - June 22, 2014 Helen passed away Sunday, June 22, 2014 at the age of 92 years and two months. Mom was born in Blumenort near Gretna, grew up in Schoenwiese, Manitoba, and married Abram Giesbrecht on April 27, 1941. Together they had 13 children: five daughters: Anne Heinrichs (Henry), Mary Giesbrecht (died in infancy), Helen Molinski (Joe), Marge Lawrenz (Arno), and Cathy Meleck (Phil); and eight sons: Abram (Agatha), John (Margaret), William (Shannon), Erdman (Shelley), Jacob (Gail), George (died in 1990), Andrew (Karen), and Arthur. Mom is survived by 27 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Mom accepted Jesus as her Saviour and was baptized in Rhineland Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in 1940. She loved Jesus and taught us all to love Jesus and each other. Dad died in 1977, and Mom married John Derksen on October 1, 1978. With this marriage she welcomed six additional children and 23 grandchildren into her life. She was their mother and grandmother as well. John Derksen died in February 2007. Mom then married again, this time to Peter Bergen in July 2007, and again she welcomed more children and grandchildren into her life. Peter Bergen passed away in 2008. Mom did not marry again but in the last while was good friends with John Wiebe. Mom never had too many people in her life. She loved them all and gave of herself to each and everyone. The viewing will be held Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, MB. There will also be a time of viewing at the church prior to the service. The funeral service for Helen Bergen will be held Friday, June 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at New Bothwell Sommerfeld Church with interment to follow at the church cemetery. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2014