Jacob E. Bergen

Obituary

Jacob (Jake) E. Bergen age 87 of Rosengard, Manitoba passed away peacefully on 17 December 2025 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, MB.

He is survived by his loving family. Daughter Debbie Unrau, grandchildren Mavis (Vince) Kehler, great-grandchildren Tyrin (Colson) Peters, Mason, and Trista. Son Leonard Bergen, grandsons Jordan (Heidi) Bergen, great-grandchildren Jayden, Hayden, and Nadia, grandson Drake (Jessica) Bergen, great-granddaughter Robyn. Daughter Connie (Jon) Burbee, granddaughters Hannah and Sophia. Brothers Isaac and Ben (Fran) Bergen, and a beloved extended family of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Helena Bergen, in-laws Abraham and Annie Broeksy, wife Lorraine (Broesky) and partner Vicky McKay, brothers Peter, John, Henry, and Cornelius, son-in-law Albert Unrau, and grandson Jaymar Bergen.

Jake was born in Hanover, the third son in a family of seven sons. He worked at various farms in the region by Dugald, Transcona and Lowe Farm, as well as building houses, often with his brother Peter. After getting married to Lorraine Broesky in 1960, this work often took him away from home while Lorraine lived with her parents.

In 1962, his father offered to sell him some of his land. Jake purchased 80 acres with a small bungalow and built a barn. He grew crops and at different times raised dairy, beef, chickens and pigs. In the early 1980s he purchased more land from his father to double the size of the farm to nearly a quarter section. As with many farmers, he also worked off the farm. Jake worked for the Town of Steinbach for 25 years as a heavy equipment operator. In mid-winter of 1984, the family lost their home in a fire. He later moved a house onto the remaining foundation. Jake was living on his farm until two weeks of his passing.

Jake lost Lorraine, the love of his life for 42 years, in October of 2001 in a tragic car accident. He continued farming as he adjusted to life on his own. In 2007, he met Vivian McKay who later joined him on the farm for the next 14 years. Vicky passed in 2024 after a long period of illness. As years stripped away normal routines, Jake loved nothing more than to sit on his deck, look south over his fields and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the place he had built.

His family is abundantly grateful for the many kindnesses shown to him in his final years and final days by his neighbours, friends, and family.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.