Obituary of Peter Bergen
It is with a heavy heart that we have to say this unexpected goodbye to our dear dad. Peter Bergen, age 73, of Aylmer passed away at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on Friday, February 12, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Margaret (Hildebrandt) Bergen (August 25, 2020). Dear father of Peter Bergen (Sue) of Aylmer, Margaret Bergen of Winkler, Manitoba, Tina Wiebe (Abe) of RR4 Aylmer, Anna Bergen of Aylmer, Maria Sawatzky (Francisco) of Stratford and Helen Bergen of Aylmer. Loving grandfather of Timothy, Daniel, Andrew, Jeremy, Adrian and Armando. He is also survived by 2 brothers, 6 sisters and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born in Durango, Mexico on March 2, 1947, son of the late Franz and Katharina (Martens) Bergen. Dad was married to his sweetheart for 51 years. They started their life together in Durango Mexico where they had a small hobby farm and dad earned his living by working the land for other small farmers in the area. In 1987 mom and dad made the decision to move to Canada. Those first few years in Canada he quit his job at Fearnlea Flowers for the summer so he could help us all work as a family on the cucumber field. It was during those long summer days on the cucumber machine that we really got to know our dad. He had fun with us, he endured hours of singing and silliness, but also expected everyone to do a good job and work hard. Dad had a strong faith in God and took time to read his devotions every day no matter how early he needed to get up. He always prayed with us at the breakfast table and at other times when we needed assurance. Dad also enjoyed being involved in the church community and he really missed the fellowship after the Bell Mill church community closed.He valued education and allowed us to go to school if we desired to do so. He taught himself to read English and was willing to read any books we gave him. In recent years he also taught himself how to read Low German. Dad always had confidence in our ability to make good choices and never pressured us to do it his way. He may have been seen as shy and reserved and sometimes found it difficult to express himself. To us he was a wonderful, patient, kind-hearted dad who loved to be goofy and joke around. He has shown much courage and strength throughout his life. We are so saddened to have him gone just 5 months after saying goodbye to mom. But we know his joy is complete, and he will suffer no more. He will be greatly missed.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, friends and family who wish to attend the visitation may call the funeral home at 519-773-8400 (Masks are required). Visitation will be held at the H.A. Kebbel Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 16, 2020 starting at 1:00pm. A private family funeral service will be held at the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Church on Wednesday, February 17, 2020 at 11:00am. Interment, Aylmer Cemetery.
