Bergen, George H. (1880-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 23 p. 6

Birth date: 1880 Nov 1

text of obituary:

. . .

— George H. Bergen, well-known retired funeral director of Goessel, died at the Mercy Hospital in Moundridge on Jan. 15 at the age of 77. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Springfield K.M.B. Church. Mr. Bergen was born in South Russia and came to this country in 1907. Survivors include his wife; a son, Henry G. of Goessel; a daughter, Selma Bergen of the home; two grandchildren, three sisters and one brother.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 13 p. 8

text of obituary:

GEORGE H. BERGEN

Our father and husband, George H. Bergen, son of Heinrich and Katharina Bergen, was born on Nov. 1, 1880, in the village of Lichtenau, South Russia, where he spent his early childhood and youth.

On Feb. 19, 1907, he was united in holy matrimony to Justine Doerksen, and together we started on our voyage to the United States approximately a month later. We arrived in Galveston, Tex. on May 6, having spent 23 days on the ocean. We made our home in Goessel, Kan. and my husband took up the trade of painting and paper hanging.

While attending evangelistic services held by Rev. Frank Wiens he realized his lost condition and accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized by Rev. John S. Foth and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church at Goessel on Sept. 25, 1910.

When the Goessel church dissolved we transferred our membership to the Lehigh M. B. church and later, for convenience sake, to the Springfield K. M. B. church.

To this union two children were born, one son Henry and one daughter, Maria, who died in infancy. Later a daughter, Selma Lily, came to make her home with us.

In 1924 father took up the profession of funeral directing in which he faithfully served the community for more than 26 years. He was devoted to his occupation and his main desire was that of serving well, and pleasing the public.

For a number of years his health failed gradually and in April 1953 he was admitted to St. Joseph hospital in Wichita. After two weeks he returned greatly improved, though not very strong. Through the years of his failing health there have been difficult and burdensome days but the Lord has always given strength and courage along the way.

He found comfort in God's Word and often quoted the German song, “Christi Blut und gerechtigkeit.”

During his illness the Lord became especially near and dear to him. On Nov. 8, 1957, he entered Mercy hospital, Moundridge, Kan. where he received tender and loving care. On Jan. 12he became critically ill and on Jan. 15 at 12:18 a. m. he practically and expectantly went to his eternal reward.

He leaves to mourn his departure his widow Justina; his children, Henry and wife Eunice of Goessel and Selma of the home; two grandchildren, Henry and wife Delores of Wichita, and Daniel of Goessel; one brother, three sisters and three brothers-in-law, P. H. Bergen of Goessel, Mrs. Peter J. Dick and husband of Blaine, Wash., Mrs. Jacob F. Voth and husband of Rural Route, Newton, Kan., and Mrs. Abraham P. Giesbrecht and husband of Winkler, Man., Canada — The Family.