Bargen, Elizabeth Regehr (1897-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 June 25 p. 30

Birth date: 1897 July 19

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH BARGEN

Frank P. Bargen was born in Altenau, in southern Russia, on August 29, 1894, the son of Peter and Maria (nee Martens) Bargen. His wife, Elizabeth, was also born in southern Russia, on July 19, 1897, the daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (nee Martens) Regehr. She went to be with the Lord on March 14, and was joined by her husband a short time later, on May 23.

Both accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour during their youth, and were baptized and received as members of the Mennonite Brethren Church. They were married in 1916 during a break in Mr. Bargen's service in the Medical Corps during the war. Two sons and two daughters were born to them. They settled on a farm after the war. Mr. Bargen served as the elected mayor of several area villages, but continual harassment by the communists forced the family to flee the country in 1929. Their flight through Moscow and Germany ended in Carlyle, Sask., where they farmed until moving to Springstein, Man. during the depression.

They later farmed in Carman, Man., worshiping in the Elm Creek Mennonite Brethren Church, before moving to Winnipeg in 1947. Here they were ordained as deacons, a service they performed with joy and faithfulness. Mr. Bargen became an orderly at the General Hospital and was promoted to chief orderly, a position he held for 22 years.

Mrs. Bargen was ill much of her life. She had operations for cancer in Russia and soon after arriving in Saskatchewan. The Lord spared her life after a serious operation in 1934, and in 1966 she was able to realize a cherished dream-the celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. After this her health declined rapidly. Although her thoughts became clouded, she was always clear on thankfulness to God. Her favorite verse was Psalm 73:23. She was institutionalized in Selkirk six and a half years ago, but was visited regularly by Mr. Bargen. His hope was expressed in Romans 8:37-39. He often expressed the desire to be with his wife in heaven to see her again in the prime of her years.

They leave to mourn their four children, Frank, Liesa, Peter and Mary, and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many friends.