ESTHER C. (KLAASSEN) BERGEN

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ESTHER C. (KLAASSEN) BERGEN Teacher, musician, poet, translator, church worker, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, Esther Bergen passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, March 1, 2005. Esther was born June 18, 1921 and grew up on the family farm near Morden, MB. Determined in spite of poverty to be educated, she graduated from Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, in 1941. After teacher training, she taught at several rural schools before pursuing further education at Mennonite Brethren Bible College, Winnipeg. In 1952 she married Menno Bergen. Together they served as missionaries in northern Mexico from 1956 to 1968. She taught music, led church activities, translated hymns, and raised children. Returning to Canada, the family lived in Gretna, MB, Taber, AB, and Herbert, SK. In 1987 Menno and Esther moved to Bethel Place, Winnipeg. Esther continued to be actively involved in music and in translations. Such was her enthusiasm that she learned to use a computer. She corresponded with relatives far and near and organized her family's genealogical records. Anchoring Esther's outgoing personality, energy, and indomitable spirit was her strong faith in Christ. This faith she passed on to her five children through prayer, song, story, and personal example. Esther was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Katherina (Dalke) Klaassen, and by eight sisters and six brothers. She is mourned by Menno, her loving husband of 52 years; by son David, with wife Jennifer Siemens and sons, Daniel and Jonah; son Paul; daughter Betsy; daughter Lois, with boyfriend Robert Elms; daughter Kate (Ruthy); and countless friends and relatives. The family wishes to convey deep appreciation to the residents, staff, and volunteers at Misericordia Health Centre, where Esther spent her last two and a half years. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford St., on Saturday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m., with viewing at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 150 Penfeld Dr.; Steinbach, MB 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2005