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Isaac Jacob Bergen

September 24, 1938 - August 14, 2023

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Isaac (Ike) Bergen, 84, of Abbotsford, B.C., passed away on August 14, 2023, from cancer, a recurrence of lymphoma for which he had been treated 4 years previously.  Ike was born in Rabbit Lake, SK, near the middle of a group of 8 siblings. As a young man of 10 years old, he developed pleurisy and it was expected that he would die from the illness.  While ill, Ike recalls experiencing a vision where God told him that he would not die as the work God had sent him to do on earth was not complete. Ike promised to give his life in service of God’s mission and to the church.

After high school, among a variety of jobs (painting grain elevators, driving instructor, etc.), Ike entered teacher’s college. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Laird, SK. It was at this time of his life that he was asked to stop in Hepburn to give a ride to a young woman who was studying at Bethany Bible Institute and wanted to go home to Saskatoon for the weekend. This was the start of a 61 year relationship with Shirley Andres. They were married just over a year after meeting each other and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past July.

After marriage Ike and Shirley moved to Winnipeg where Ike began his seminary studies.  Following seminary, Ike began his pastoral ministry which took him to Swift Current, SK, and Dartmouth, NS. Along the way, Ike and Shirley welcomed two sons to the world, Andrew and James. After three years in Dartmouth, Ike was invited to begin his Bible teaching career at Bethany Bible Institute. He eventually became the President.  After many years at Bethany, Ike accepted roles with the Mennonite Brethren Conference in Winnipeg, MB. After several years in Winnipeg, Ike realized his childhood dream when he and Shirley moved to British Columbia where he completed his professional career as the Conference Minister for the province. He also served on the MB Missions Board and during these years, Ike and Shirley engaged in many trips around the world to encourage and provide pastoral ministry to church planters and missionaries in a variety of countries.  Following retirement, Ike, along with Shirley, continued to be involved in church ministry in a variety of ways including involvement in a College and Career group, seniors ministry, part-time pastoring in the congregation, mentoring young church leaders, and singing in a trio at services, funerals and special occasions.

Ike loved his family dearly and was intensely proud of his four grandchildren – Natasha, Audrey, CJ, and Carly. He always had a quick comeback and enjoyed teasing others – and equally enjoyed being teased back. He was very fond of baseball (and all sports in general), often texting with his children while watching the games on TV. He was very engaged in taking care of his physical health, ate well, and exercised almost daily. He ran several half- marathons in his 60’s and 70’s.

Ike is survived by his wife Shirley; son Andrew and his children Natasha, Mallory and Josh, Mitchel and Rachel, three great-grandchildren Jonah, Asher and Hannah; son James and Marcy and their children Audrey, CJ and Carly; brother Henry and sisters Aggie and Kaye.  Ike is predeceased by parents Isaac and Mary; step-mother Elizabeth; daughter-in-law Karen; brothers Dave, John and Ben; sisters Annie and Lena.

Condolences

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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home

Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Dale Friesen
Relation: He was my Bible school teacher at Bethany

One of my favourite teachers at Bethany!

From: Rudy & Marilyn Hiebert
Relation: B.C.M.B.

Always enjoyed the hospitality and conversations; will be sorely missed

From: Joanne Stein
Relation: He was our instructor at Bethany Bible Institute.

Our sympathy and condolences to Mrs. Bergen, Andrew and the rest of Mr. Bergen’s family. We enjoyed our years at Bethany with him; he was a great instructor. May God comfort you as only He can do.
Allan & Joanne (Harms) Stein

From: Ingrid Seel
Relation: Through ministry connections

Dear Shirley ,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Ike. My last conversation with him was at Andrew Friesen’s memorial service .We talked about the camp in Latvia that my husband Ed and I are still involved in . My husband remembers the time when Ike came to visit the camp and afterwards they went for dinner at a restaurant in Sigulda . He wasn’t sure who else was with Ike . I appreciated the interest he showed and of course I also enjoyed listening to the trio .
May you experience the God’s peace that passes all understanding .

Ingrid Seel

From: Thelma Dirk

I was delighted the Lord “happened” me to Ike’s memorial service- it was beautiful! Even though he is now pain free, for which we are grateful, you have a big gapping hole in your 💔! I hurt with you🙏🏽🙏🏽

From: Kumar Satish Sharma
Relation: I worked with Shirley at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manitoba.

My deepest condolences. I remember Ike from when he used to occasionally visit you in the office. May he rest in peace.

Service Schedule

  Celebration of Life

Date & Time:
September 1, 2023
Beginning at 11:00am

Location:
King Road MB Church
32068 King Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada

32068 King Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada

Memorial Gifts

The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.

Thank You Notice

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Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8

info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885

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