Eugene 'Gene' Roy Bergen
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Eugene “Gene” Roy Bergen, age 87, of Henderson, NE died Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Henderson. He was born on September 23, 1931, in rural Hamilton County, NE to Henry and Anna (Penner) Bergen. He was a graduate of Henderson High School and a member of Bethesda Mennonite Church. Two miles and exactly one month apart, he and Lula “Lu” Pankratz were born. Gene and Lu were united in marriage on June 26, 1952, at Henderson.
Gene was a lifelong farmer and cattle feeder. In 1970 he took his dream job with the York County Extension Office as the 4-H Youth Activities Director. During his 27 years in this role, he sponsored numerous leadership trips to Washington, D.C. and 4-H camps, which was a highlight for him. He served two terms as York County Commissioner, served on the York County Fair Board for more than 50 years, served as President of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, and was involved in numerous Aksarben and local and state 4-H events over the years. Gene loved raising and showing horses and judged horse shows for decades. He also enjoyed hunting and being a hunter safety instructor.
Gene is survived by his wife Lula of Henderson; son Greg (Karen) Bergen of York and their family which includes: granddaughter Stacy (Jason) Bingham of Eagle, NE and their children Alex, Sophie, and Bella, granddaughter Kristy (Nick) Pieper of York and their children Carsen and Owen, grandson Spencer (Kathryn) Bergen of Lincoln, NE, granddaughter Laura Bergen (Josh Stephens) of Lincoln, and granddaughter Catie Bergen of Lincoln; son Gary “Jim” (Melanie) Bergen of Henderson and granddaughter Emily Bergen of Lincoln; son Matthew (Jessica) Bergen of Fort Collins, CO and their family which includes: grandson Delley (Gina) Bergen of North Platte, NE, grandson Lane Bergen of Fort Collins, CO, granddaughter Dakota Bergen of Lincoln, and granddaughter Olivia Bergen of Wray, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mark, two step mothers, two sisters, three brothers, several sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 9:45 am, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial Service will follow burial at 10:30 am, at the Bethesda Mennonite Church with Seth Miller and Andrea Wall officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-9 pm on Monday, with family greeting friends that evening from 6-8 pm, all at the mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and the York County Ag Society.
Condolences may be emailed to Metz Mortuary Messages will be given to the family.
Gene was a lifelong farmer and cattle feeder. In 1970 he took his dream job with the York County Extension Office as the 4-H Youth Activities Director. During his 27 years in this role, he sponsored numerous leadership trips to Washington, D.C. and 4-H camps, which was a highlight for him. He served two terms as York County Commissioner, served on the York County Fair Board for more than 50 years, served as President of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, and was involved in numerous Aksarben and local and state 4-H events over the years. Gene loved raising and showing horses and judged horse shows for decades. He also enjoyed hunting and being a hunter safety instructor.
Gene is survived by his wife Lula of Henderson; son Greg (Karen) Bergen of York and their family which includes: granddaughter Stacy (Jason) Bingham of Eagle, NE and their children Alex, Sophie, and Bella, granddaughter Kristy (Nick) Pieper of York and their children Carsen and Owen, grandson Spencer (Kathryn) Bergen of Lincoln, NE, granddaughter Laura Bergen (Josh Stephens) of Lincoln, and granddaughter Catie Bergen of Lincoln; son Gary “Jim” (Melanie) Bergen of Henderson and granddaughter Emily Bergen of Lincoln; son Matthew (Jessica) Bergen of Fort Collins, CO and their family which includes: grandson Delley (Gina) Bergen of North Platte, NE, grandson Lane Bergen of Fort Collins, CO, granddaughter Dakota Bergen of Lincoln, and granddaughter Olivia Bergen of Wray, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mark, two step mothers, two sisters, three brothers, several sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be held at 9:45 am, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Bethesda Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial Service will follow burial at 10:30 am, at the Bethesda Mennonite Church with Seth Miller and Andrea Wall officiating. Visitation will be held from 3-9 pm on Monday, with family greeting friends that evening from 6-8 pm, all at the mortuary in Henderson. Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and the York County Ag Society.
Condolences may be emailed to Metz Mortuary Messages will be given to the family.