Jake Bergen

Obituary

On March 4, 2025, Jake Bergen passed away in the presence of his wife Teri of 42 years, with the love of his children Maria and Andrew and daughter-in-law Serena; his siblings Corny, George, Martha and Albert, Elfrieda, Abe and Paulette, Tina, and Anita and Dave; and his grandchildren Graham, Brynlee, and Callie.

He was predeceased by his father Abram, mother Maria, brother Jacob, and sisters-in-law Mary-Ellen, Laurie and Catherine. Jake lived a full and generous life in the presence of his saviour Jesus Christ, with whom he now awaits his beloved family.

Jake was born on a farm outside Winnipegosis and soon moved to town. He grew up speaking German and delivering newspapers on a bike with no handlebars. He was part of a large family that generously cared for each other and still do to this day. He moved to Winnipeg after high school and attended Red River College. He was a dreamer and enjoyed a challenge. He operated three businesses throughout his life, but his heart was always in connecting with and serving people.

Led to the Lord by his father, a minister, Jake was raised in the Church but developed a faith all his own. His love for Jesus permeated all he did and shone especially through his myriad relationships. This began with youth group at Nordheim Mennonite Church and quickly developed at the bible camp at Strawberry Lake. In 1974 he became a part of Winnipeg Christian Centre. In faith, he followed God to ministry school in Florida, a foundational experience that led him to become a young elder in his church. He faithfully served in this role for many years, teaching, exploring the realms of possibility in the Spirit, and passing on his gift of faith. However, he also felt called to take his pastoral gifting beyond the walls of the church. He lived out this calling through his many pursuits in life, whether it was at his Tennis Club, his Robin’s donut shop, as a washroom attendant at the bar, or in his appearances as the Winnipeg Colonel. He loved bringing the atmosphere of heaven with him wherever he went and exposing people to the presence of God.

Jake lived a rich social life. He was an avid tennis player and fostered many friendships through his local clubs. He delighted in competition, whether it was trying to beat his new church friends at hockey in his younger years, besting his family at Crib, or wielding psychological warfare on the tennis court. He was beloved by his Tennis bible study and his morning coffee regulars, where he enjoyed exploring faith and “spurring one another on to love and good deeds.”

Above all, Jake valued his role as a husband, father and grandpa. His marriage was marked by his kindness and faithfulness. He showered beautiful affirmation on his family and rejoiced in who God made them to be. He would drop everything to help them whenever they needed him. He will be remembered for his strength of character, gentle love, and roaring laughter.

Favourite Scripture: all of them

The livestreamed funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing prior to the service.

The interment will take place at Prairie Rose EMC Cemetery, Landmark, MB.