Mary Bargen (nee Janzen) passed away quietly in her sleep on October 27th, 2021 at the Boyne Lodge in Carman. During her last days, the family had visited often as she had made it clear she wanted to be with Jesus by her birthday on October 28th. She stopped eating and drinking and told us over and over how much she loved us.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Helene Janzen, husband Frank F. Bargen, her son Don Bargen and her grandson Chad Falk. Also predeceasing her were siblings John (Daphne) Janzen, Anne (Rudy Boschman), Irma (Ernie Esau) and brother Henry Janzen as well as well as brother-in-law Jake Enns and sister-in-law Lydia Janzen. She is survived by her sister Maggie Enns and brothers Fred Janzen (Dorothy), Jack Janzen (Hilda) and Abe Janzen (Aggie), and sister-in-law Clara Janzen (Henry).
Mary Leaves behind her daughters Linda (Dave Enns), Ruth (Ron Stege), Elaine (Gerry Falk), her son John Bargen (Donna-Rae) and daughter-in-law Karen Bargen, along with 24 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Mary was born on October 28th, 1923 in Steinbach, Russia to Abram and Helena Janzen. In 1926, she moved to Canada with her parents and older brother John, and settled in Elm Creek.
Mom gave her life to Jesus, her Saviour, early in her life and was baptised upon confession of her faith in July, 1944. As the eldest girl of the family, she was Oma’s number one helper to raise her siblings. Mary attended Winkler Bible School for a year and in 1945 went to work in Winnipeg as a housekeeper/maid.
When Frank Bargen saw Mary in a Dakota School concert, he fell in love and decided that was the girl he would marry. She was only 13 and he had to wait 10 more years to fulfil his dream. They were married on September 20th, 1947.
Mom will always be remembered for her big heart and welcoming spirit. Dad would invite almost everyone for coffee or the next meal. As kids, we learned the meaning of F.H.B. (family hold back) if mom hadn’t made quite enough. We remember always hosting friends and relatives.
Mom had a heart of gold and will be remembered for how loving and kind she was. She taught Sunday School and DVBS, sang in the choir and could be found helping in the kitchen at many events. She was a life member of the Tracy Homemakers Club. She knew how to cook or clean anything; she planted a huge garden and put it up for winter; while at the same time gathering, cleaning and grading the eggs for shipping. Mom supported Dad in all his farming endeavours, serving on community boards and organizing local functions.
Mom loved fishing and every summer the family would go camping for a whole week. We enjoyed family times and it wasn’t until later years that we realized the extra work mom did to get the food and clothes ready for these holidays.
Mom’s endless wisdom provided us with guidance throughout her life. We have been truly blessed by her long life with us.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Boyne Lodge for their wonderful care of Mom and consideration to the family during these last days.
We also sincerely appreciate the expertise and care taken by Mark Reimer of Doyle’s Funeral Home in the planning of the funeral, and to Pastor Bob Pauls for blessing us through the service and laying Mom to rest beside Dad.
Memorial Donations may be made to MCC, Winnipeg 134 Plaza Drive R3T 5K9, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Helene Janzen, husband Frank F. Bargen, her son Don Bargen and her grandson Chad Falk. Also predeceasing her were siblings John (Daphne) Janzen, Anne (Rudy Boschman), Irma (Ernie Esau) and brother Henry Janzen as well as well as brother-in-law Jake Enns and sister-in-law Lydia Janzen. She is survived by her sister Maggie Enns and brothers Fred Janzen (Dorothy), Jack Janzen (Hilda) and Abe Janzen (Aggie), and sister-in-law Clara Janzen (Henry).
Mary Leaves behind her daughters Linda (Dave Enns), Ruth (Ron Stege), Elaine (Gerry Falk), her son John Bargen (Donna-Rae) and daughter-in-law Karen Bargen, along with 24 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Mary was born on October 28th, 1923 in Steinbach, Russia to Abram and Helena Janzen. In 1926, she moved to Canada with her parents and older brother John, and settled in Elm Creek.
Mom gave her life to Jesus, her Saviour, early in her life and was baptised upon confession of her faith in July, 1944. As the eldest girl of the family, she was Oma’s number one helper to raise her siblings. Mary attended Winkler Bible School for a year and in 1945 went to work in Winnipeg as a housekeeper/maid.
When Frank Bargen saw Mary in a Dakota School concert, he fell in love and decided that was the girl he would marry. She was only 13 and he had to wait 10 more years to fulfil his dream. They were married on September 20th, 1947.
Mom will always be remembered for her big heart and welcoming spirit. Dad would invite almost everyone for coffee or the next meal. As kids, we learned the meaning of F.H.B. (family hold back) if mom hadn’t made quite enough. We remember always hosting friends and relatives.
Mom had a heart of gold and will be remembered for how loving and kind she was. She taught Sunday School and DVBS, sang in the choir and could be found helping in the kitchen at many events. She was a life member of the Tracy Homemakers Club. She knew how to cook or clean anything; she planted a huge garden and put it up for winter; while at the same time gathering, cleaning and grading the eggs for shipping. Mom supported Dad in all his farming endeavours, serving on community boards and organizing local functions.
Mom loved fishing and every summer the family would go camping for a whole week. We enjoyed family times and it wasn’t until later years that we realized the extra work mom did to get the food and clothes ready for these holidays.
Mom’s endless wisdom provided us with guidance throughout her life. We have been truly blessed by her long life with us.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at Boyne Lodge for their wonderful care of Mom and consideration to the family during these last days.
We also sincerely appreciate the expertise and care taken by Mark Reimer of Doyle’s Funeral Home in the planning of the funeral, and to Pastor Bob Pauls for blessing us through the service and laying Mom to rest beside Dad.
Memorial Donations may be made to MCC, Winnipeg 134 Plaza Drive R3T 5K9, or to a charity of one’s choice.