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Martin Bergen
July 24, 1927 - March 7, 2017
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<div itemprop="description">After a lengthy battle with dementia and heart disease, Martin Bergen passed away peacefully at Bethania Personal Care Home on March 7. <br><br>Martin was predeceased by his father Martin Bergen (1930), mother Sara Abrams (1991), older brother Martin (1925), brother Peter (1930), brother Peter Braun (1990), sister Neta Braun (2007), brother George Braun (2011) and wife Ruth (nee Spletzer) (2001). He is survived by daughter Miriam (Louise Redekop), wife Anny and her family, sister Kay Winter (John), sister Frieda Bueckert and brother Bernie Braun (Monica), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.<br><br>Martin Bergen was born in Schoenhorst, Ukraine on July 24, 1927, to Martin Bergen and Sara Abrams. He lost his father at a young age and his mother married widower Peter Braun. The family grew and lived in the neighbouring village of Neuendorf. In 1941, the family lived under German army occupation. However, the tide of the war changed and in October 1943, the family fled westward in fear of the advancing Russian army. Martin was conscripted by the German army at the age of 15, serving as a medic. In 1945, he surrendered to American Forces, who later turned him over to the French army. He was sent to a French POW camp near Bordeaux for 3 years. He returned to Germany in 1948.<br><br>After having regained contact with his family, which was now living in Canada, Martin left Germany in 1953, arriving in Winnipeg on Thanksgiving. He found work in Atikokan, Ontario until 1954. Thanksgiving that year, he met his future wife Ruth. They were married in 1955 and daughter Miriam was born to them the following year. Now having to support a family, Martin decided to go into business for himself. After a few failed attempts, he and Ruth founded Viceroy Painting and Decorating. They ran the business out of the basement of their home until he started building apartments. In 1962, Martin partnered with Jake Letkemann to incorporate Marlborough Development for the construction aspect. Martin and Ruth also founded Edison Rental Agency, now known as Edison Properties, as the property management entity. By 1969, this venture was the beginning of a very successful enterprise.<br><br>Martin also became involved in the political scene. As a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, he worked behind the scenes during several national, provincial and civic elections. This did not endear him to many people, as he created not a little controversy.<br><br>Having come from a poor background, Martin became involved in philanthropy. He served on the board of many charitable organizations, giving freely of his time and resources.<br>In 2001, Ruth passed away of cancer. This was a very lonely and difficult time for him. However, in 2002, he met Anny Rempel (nee Dyck). Theirs was a short courtship and they married in 2003. The family suddenly grew ten-fold. Martin and Anny enjoyed sitting in the backyard at the house on Appleton in the summer, watching the birds come to the feeders. People dropping by were treated to Mr. Bergen’s wine and good fellowship. Not long after they were married, Martin began showing signs of dementia. Miriam began taking on more of the responsibilities of Edison Properties. The dementia progressively took greater hold of his mind and Annie took on more and more of a caretaker role. She was very caring and dedicated to him. In 2014, Martin became a resident of Bethania Personal Care Home. His health started declining more rapidly before Christmas last year until his passing on March 7th.<br><br>The family would like to thank Bethania Personal Care Home, Comforts of Home Care Inc., Dr. Christine Loepp, and Dr. Kathy Knezic. In lieu of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to Concordia Hospital Foundation, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Alzheimer’s Society Manitoba or a charity of your choice.<br><br>A Celebration of Life will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Fort Garry Place, 85 Garry Street, on Thursday, March 16th at 1:30 PM. Reception to follow service on the 5th floor. Interment will be at Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul.<br><br><br><br></div>