Isaak Henry Bergen
October 8, 1941 – March 11, 2022
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Isaak Bergen, of Sanford, Manitoba on Friday, March 11, 2022 at Carman Memorial Hospital. Isaak is lovingly remembered by his wife, Tina, of 50 years; their children James (Tamara), Elizabeth (Gerald), Jonathan (Jana); grandchildren, Elliot and Annabel; sister Anna Marie (Bruce), brother Ernest, and nieces. He was predeceased by one sister-in-law and one niece.
Isaak, the son of Isaac and Susanna Bergen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up on a farm near Sanford, Manitoba. He attended Sanford School from grades 1 to 10 and Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna for grades 11 and 12. After high school he worked in Winnipeg until he decided to return to school and take the industrial electronics technician program at Red River College.
Upon his faith, Isaak was baptized and throughout his life volunteered at his place of worship in various capacities, from Sunday school teacher to ushering. His unwavering faith in God and steadfastness was evidenced in his daily morning Bible reading and devotional time, as well as in his character. He valued honesty, integrity, and always tried to do the right thing, even when it was difficult.
After completion of his diploma he met the love of his life, Tina. In the early years of their marriage they lived in Winnipeg while he worked at National Typewriter fixing dictating machines. After two years, they moved out to the Sanford homestead and Isaak took up farming hogs, cattle, bees, and grain. It was during this time that his three children were born. Isaak valued family and while working hard, still managed to spend time with his children and teach by example.
Isaak had a passion for nature and learning and instilled that same wonder in his children. Whether it was watching the bats at dusk, a caterpillar pupating and then eclosing from its chrysalis, lunar and solar eclipses, the porcupine wandering through the farmyard or star gazing, all were events in which to delight and hold with a sense of awe. Later, the encyclopedia or reference books would be pulled out and more about these marvels would be explored.
Isaak’s hunger for learning didn’t end with nature. He had interests in photography (even winning some amateur photographer awards), computers, electronics, chemistry, music (he played both the guitar and trombone), rocks, astronomy, orchids, and growing various house plants. His ability to learn along with his creativity allowed him to fix almost anything, which was a valuable skill to have on the farm.
Through his hard work and dedication, Isaak won awards for his clean fields and hog production. His perseverance and tenacity brought him through tough times with sky-high interest rates. Over his career he served on boards at the Sanford Credit Union, Pool Elevators, and the Coop store in Sanford.
In the 90’s, Isaak chose to return to work in Winnipeg, working first at National Industrial Communications Inc. (NICI) and then at the National Microbiology Lab, installing security systems. He retired from the Lab in 2013 but still loved living on the farm, enjoying yardwork, gardening, birding, and reading.
Isaak will be greatly missed by his family.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Grant Memorial Baptist Church with a viewing prior to the service. All are welcome to attend. The service will also be livestreamed and can be watched at https://youtu.be/cSAchz2eUkI.
Interment to follow in LaSalle Mennonite Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators Canada or a charity of one’s choice.