On April 5th, 1987, he married Helena Peters, nee Giesbrecht. They were married 37 years when Peter passed away on May 22nd, 2024.
Peter was father to 12 children; 10 with Maria, and another 2 with Helena. His children are as follows:
Son Isaak Bergen(passed away in 1966 at age 5), Daughter Mary Dyck and her family, Son Henry Bergen and his family. (Henry passed away in 2006 at the age of 42),
Daughter Anna Wieler and her family, Daughter Suzana Bergen (passed away in 1967 at age 1), Daughter Margaret Elias and her family, Daughter Helen Dyck and her husband, Son Peter Bergen and his family, Daughter Nettie Bergen, Daughter Eva Loewen and her family, Daughter Lisa Bergen, Daughter Esther Lebeau and her family
Peter's legacy also includes 24 grand children, and 32 great grandchildren.
Dad had many different jobs in Mexico, from unofficial mechanic, to milk delivery driver, to farmer. One of his greatest wishes was to move his family from Mexico to Canada, in order to provide them with a better life, and on June 4th, 1981, he was able to fulfill that dream. However, life in Canada was not without it's challenges. Surviving was a struggle at first, and the family worked what jobs they could find in order to make a living. Dad was very adamant about working together as a family. He taught by example how to work together, to do the job well, whatever it might be, and to be respectful always.
1983 was a busy year. The family lost wife and mother, Maria, in the springtime. In summer, the family moved from Winkler to Friedensruh. Dad was then able to purchase a house in the village of Reinland, and the family moved again between Christmas and the new year.
In 1984, he landed a job at Ens Farms in Reinland, but early in his employment there, he fell from a roof and broke his arm and leg. This of course meant being unable to work for a few months. However, Ens Farms generously continued to pay him, and assured him that the job would still be there for him once he was healed up. For that, the family will be forever grateful. Dad continued to work for Ens Farms for another 28 years.
In 2012, Dad and wife Helena moved from Reinland to Winkler, and Dad retired from Ens Farms. However, he could not seem to retire from tractors entirely, and spent the next 11 years volunteering at the Pembina Threshermen's Museum. Even after his cancer diagnosis in 2020, shortly after his 80th birthday, he continued to do what he loved, for as long as he was able. He remained positive throughout his struggle with cancer, cracking jokes and causing smiles and laughter wherever he went. His dry, sarcastic sense of humour will be sorely missed.
His faith in God remained a priority throughout his life. He made sure to take his family to church on Sundays, and always prayed for his children and grandchildren to know the Lord. There was seldom a day where he did not have devotions after breakfast. As his physical strength waned, and he spent more time at home and indoors, he spent more and more time in the Word of God, and praying for his family. We as a family take comfort in knowing that he is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of BTHC; Dr. Woelk and the rest of the cancer care team, as well as the palliative team, and all the home care workers, who took such wonderful care of Peter in his last days. Thank you also to the ministerial team of the Old Colony Mennonite church, who visited and encouraged us frequently. As well, we would like to thank the staff at Wiebe Funeral Home, for their kind and compassionate care. And last but certainly not least, we would like to thank the many, many people who have upheld our family in their prayers. All of you have made this difficult time slightly more bearable. Thank you.
Funeral service will be held on Sunday May 26, at 2:00 p.m at the Chortitz Old Colony Church with burial at the church cemetery.
Viewing will be on Saturday May 25, from 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Wiebe Funeral Home in Winkler.
Donations can be made to assist the family with funeral expenses.