Wayne Eugene Bergen, 72, of Wolf Point, Montana went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 16th, 2020.
Wayne was born on December 14, 1947 in Wolf Point, MT to Cornelius Bergen and Elsie Hoch Bergen. He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1965 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Education from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Later in life he completed his Master’s Degree in Bible Studies from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.
Wayne met and fell in love with the love of his life Connie Harshman Bergen in Wolf Point, and on July 13th, 1980 they eloped and were married in a small ceremony in Geraldine, Montana. Wayne and Connie recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.
Wayne was an avid lifelong player, fan, and coach of both baseball and softball, never wavering in his love and support of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent his life living in and working countless jobs and careers around the Wolf Point area. Of note, he owned and operated Bergen’s Mowing Service for the past 25 years. He also worked as a beloved high school science teacher, across decades, both in Wolf Point and in Lustre, MT, where he also taught Bible classes and coached the girls’ basketball team. His most passionate position within the community and in his life was spreading the Word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a Pastor at Community Bible Church, as well as at several other churches throughout Eastern Montana.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father Cornelius and his mother Elsie. He is survived by his wife Connie, his sons Joshua and Joel, his sister Gail (Scott) Taylor, his brother Perry (Patti) Bergen, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Public visitation for Wayne Bergen will be held at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, MT on Tuesday, August 25th from 2 PM to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at Burkie Baseball Field in Wolf Point, MT on Wednesday, August 26th at 10 AM. Wayne’s family respectfully requests that the funeral services will be a private event for family members and selected guests.
** Masks will be required at the visitation and the funeral. In an effort to abide with COVID-19 guidelines we are asking that social distancing is maintained at both the visitation and funeral and to limit attendance to close family and friends. A video of the funeral service will be posted to Clayton Stevenson’s FaceBook page. **
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 26, 2020
Burkie Baseball Field
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 26, 2020
Burkie Baseball Field
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Kathy Dunne says
My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to your family. May God comfort you.
Gifford A. Standing says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of the family.
Carol Neutgens says
Connie and boys, we are so sorry. Wayne was just one of the good guys and will be missed by many. Know that God welcomed him with open arms. May you take comfort from friends and family and all those beautiful memories you have of Wayne. God bless you all.
Carol and Larry
Rhonda Mason says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Rest In Peace. Prayers of comfort to the family.
Connie Dahl says
We are going to miss Wayne and his love for sharing the Word. Though it is hard to let him go, we can almost imagine the joy on his face when he saw Jesus. What a sight that must have been. Love and prayers to Connie and family from ours.
Nyla Braaten says
So sorry , Wayne as a nice man. Prayers for the family.
Carol Fender says
Wayne will be greatly missed & I will cherish the memories we all had together over the years. There is comfort in knowing that he is in the loving arms of Jesus. Love & prayers now & in the days ahead.
Danny Harshman says
Connie, Josh & Joel
I am sorry for your loss. Wayne was a good man. He was a kind and gentle man.
I pray that God will bring you peace and comfort at this most difficult time. Hope your memories of Wayne will help you through to better times.
God Bless and Keep You
Ann Baker says
Connie, so sorry for this loss to you and your family. Take care. Many people are thinking of you and wishing you well.
Jean Archdale says
Connie and boys
I am so so saddened for your loss of your loving husband and dad, there just are no words that help at a time like this, i will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marilynn Johnson says
Connie, Josh snd Joel. We r So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts n prayers are with you at this most difficult time in your lives. Many God wrap u in his loving arms n give u strength.
Love Gary and Marilynn
Tim Redwood (Bushman) says
Connie,
So sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I carry with me much fond memories of Wayne. He was always warm and embracing and extended to me his friendship. I am grateful that he shared the gospel of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ to me. His witness and profession had an impact on my life, he planted seeds in my mind and heart and challenged me to seriously consider Christianity.
Wayne without question was one of the reasons why I became a Christian and chose to follow Christ.
Also, it was so much fun being his softball team mate back in the 80’s …he was an awesome player!
God Bless You and Family during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Tim Redwood (Bushman)
Jack B Shamley says
I’m so sorry. Wayne was truly one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing
Karel L Schutt says
Connie and boys, I am so very sorry to hear about Wayne. He was a man of integrity and a heart that belonged to God. He was never above stopping to give a smile and a hello. He will be very missed. My heart and my prayers are with all of you.
Karla F McGill says
Such a shock! Connie I’m so very sorry you have lost your best friend and partner! Think of you and your boys often! Pray for your peace and understanding in the hard days to come! God bless your family.
Sharri and Lee Vandall says
Connie, Josh, and Joel,
I am so sorry for loss. He was such a kind and caring person. Whenever I think of him, it is always with a warm heart. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sheila and Rick Dyck says
Wayne was an wonderful, special man. Our now 39 year old daughter Amanda, had him for a Teacher at Lustre Bible Academy and she has ALWAYS stated that he was – and is to this day, her favorite Teacher! Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this very hard time.
Jane and Paul says
Connie,Josh and Joel This is such a difficult time for all of you. May the faith of your family support you as you know Wayne is in Gods hands. I have worked with each of you as individuals. May God Bless you all
Darrel and Colleen Borgen says
Lots of laughter when we think of Wayne and his Jerry Lewis moves! Lots of get togethers at my moms house that included lots of laughter, food and fun!, not to mention the Put Hut days when we would play video games for hours as we ate mini donuts. Then off to the Sherman with Wayne and Connie at 6am for breakfast after we pulled an all nighter at the Put Hut!! Those times will be cherished here, but more importantly, better times are awaiting for all of us in Heaven when we are all reunited.
He was always kind hearted and listened to me when I had questions about the Bible. He always took the time to explain. I will always remember that.
He will be missed greatly.
Always praying for all of you!💕❤ Lots of Love XOXO
God has a plan.
Kevin Stone says
We are so very sorry for your loss. While we rejoice that Wayne has gone home, we know the grief of being separated from him, and we truly mourn with you.
We appreciate the years that Wayne has blessed our Fellowship and the folks at Wolf Point. His faithful service has been a blessing to many people.
May the God of comfort shower you with his great peace, love and comfort at this time.
In Him,
Kevin Stone
President – Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches
Jerry and Theresa Schuster says
Connie, Joel and Josh,
We are so saddened to hear of Wayne’s death. We appreciated him very much as a leader in the community and a good friend. His presence will be greatly missed by all our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. May God’s peace be with you. Hugs. Jerry and Theresa Schuster
DeAnne Weeks says
I was saddened to hear of your loss. May you feel comfort from loving memories shared by family and friends. Hold them dear.
Vivian Wall says
Connie, Joel and Josh, It seems I’ve known Wayne forever, as our families grew up attending the church he Pastored now. From graduation receptions with Sue Schmidt, to hearing him preach, to popping in to his Bible Book Store, and chatting about life, I so appreciated his genuine interest and integrity. Three of our daughters had him as a Science teacher at Lustre Christian High School. He was Gretchen’s coach in Basketball, and he and Connie came many miles to the games for LCHS last season to watch her coach! What a blessing and and an encouragement! We are stunned and saddened by Wayne’s passing, though not without hope. May The Lord give you daily strength and peace, courage and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and the extended family. Dwaine and Vivian Wall
Sherry Boysun says
Connie, Joel and Josh
No words can really say how special Wayne was, I have known him for years, even going back to the softball days. Our hearts hurt for you all. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go through the next days and for many days after. He was also blessed to have you as his family.
Nufry & Sherry
Leatrice Spence says
Connie and family…
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Barry Kurokawa says
I grew up with Wayne we played and talked baseball every summer. Wayne was also my highschool guitar playing hero as I used to listen to him and the band The Exterminators practice at Steens Handy Shop in 1964 – 66! To Wayne’s family I am grateful to have known him a kind and gracious person who treated everyone with love. RIP Wayne you will be missed ❤ Barry
Gregg Fromdahl says
So very sorry to hear of Coach Wayne’s passing. He was a true gentleman and an outstanding influence and role model. Prayers to his family.
Mark and Melanie Erickson says
Connie, Josh, and Joel, We are so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne was so kind and we loved talking to him. We always enjoyed his preaching and loved his heart for God. May God bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Jana says
Connie and family, I’m so very sorry!! He was one of the kindest teachers. So many prayers!
John & Lorna Jackson says
Our sincere sympathy goes to you Connie, Josh & Joel:
Wayne truly loved God & his family & Community, He enjoyed life, people & teaching and had a special way to influence those around with a smile 😃, story, or hand shake….a loved one who will be missed very much. May God’s Peace & comfort be your sustaining strength.
♥️🙏, John & Lorna Jackson
The Rising Family says
Connie, Josh & Joel – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so blessed to have known Wayne. Please know we are thinking of you.
Pete, Carol, Wyatt, Bailey, Morgan and Mariah
Lorraine Lunder says
I have always known Wayne to be kind, quiet, soft spoken– with never a harsh word, quick with a joke, and handsome!! Wayne was the kind of man who made me want to a be a better person🥀 God bless you all as you mourn your loss
Michaeline Franson says
Thank you Mr. Bergen for teaching me so much when I was a kid growing up at Gospel Fellowship. Your book store you had for a time, Son Light, also was so meaningful to me when I was young and struggling. Thank you for showing God’s love to those around you. Rest in peace.
Gunner Benavente says
Saddened to know of Wayne’s passing. A gentle soul. He was one of the two best Bible teachers I had ever had the chance to sit and listen to. And I will miss seeing him and his little truck full of lawn mowers passing by at times.
Robin Hayes Hernandez says
As one of his former students, I know I appreciated him as a teacher. Later, I appreciated him as an adult. My family’s thoughts and prayers with all of you.
Rick and Sheila Dyck says
We were extremely saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing! He was a wonderful man. In 1996, our daughter Amanda Dyck Larson attended LCHS and has always said that he was her favorite Teacher of all time and that she learned so much from him in Bible Class and Science – she is now a Hospice Nurse – we believe Wayne had a hand in her career choice. Our family sends our sincerest sympathies, you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Margue Gysler says
Dear Connie ,Josh,Joel and Gail
Wayne was a great teammate . He shared with neighbors , cared for you and all of us and that diamond in the baseball field he’s got his homer . Lord he’s got his home run . We are cheering for his remarkable life. RIP
John Marguerite and Gysler family
Cam Martin says
So sorry for your loss what a awesome person to talk to always positive about life .Wayne will be greatly missed by all thoughts and prayers go out to the families Cam Martin & family.
Janell Bond says
Wayne brought much comfort to my mom and family when my dad passed away and continued caring and support when my mom passed a week later. His kindness and gentle strength will always be remembered. May you take great comfort in knowing how much he was appreciated and admired by all who were touched by his grace and goodness.
Lucy Redekopp says
Sorry for your loss.
Laurie Toews Klippenes says
I am so sorry for your loss of a great man. I knew him as Mr. Bergen – Bible teacher, science teacher and coach. He always cared about his students. I remember going to a Creation seminar featuring Ken Ham. I learned so much from him about loving God and being positive in life. He was a faithful servant of Christ and will be missed by many.
David Allen says
Connie, Josh, and Joel
We want to extend our sympathy to you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the lord wrap his loving grace around you all.
Edie, Dave, A.J., and Jesse Allen
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
My sincere condolences to all who knew & loved Wayne. Wayne coached The Sunshine Girls softball team in the late 1970’s & was a wonderful mentor. Remember – “Though gone from our sight, loved ones are never gone from out hearts.” My prayers are with you all.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Connie know that families are forever in the sight of God. From all the nice tributes Wayne was a very happy man who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ May he rest in peace.
Joann Heser says
I am so sorry for your loss, Connie, Josh and Joel, Gail and Perry. I first met Wayne through Gail in our pre-marital days when he was running the bowling alley and always thought he was the kindest, most personable, and most spiritual person that I knew. He had to have been the best husband, dad and brother ever. The town will miss him, all of us will miss him. He spread God’s love by his example in his everyday life. God bless you all.
John and Sharon S says
Connie, Josh and Joel,
As fellow servants of the Lord Jesus, I greatly enjoyed both Wayne and Connie. Wayne taught at Lustre and both of our sons profitted from taking his Science classes and Creation perspective. He came to Beacon Bible Camp and helped by teaching the book of Revelation. He spoke at times in our chapel services at Lustre Christian High School. But most of all he was simply a good friend to share a good visit or prayer with at any time our paths crossed. John and Sharon Skillman
Richard Desch says
Connie, Josh, and Joel,
It seems that we have known Wayne and you forever starting with the daycare days for the boys. We had told Wayne once he should slow down on the lawn mowing. He replied that job helped him exercise and it was part of his ministry to the elderly ladies in the community who could not do the job anymore. He asked which ones he should give up. That was the kind of guy he was. We appreciated his ministry at Community Bible Church and his genuine friendliness. May the Lord comfort you at this time.
Linda and Richard Desch
Jennifer Desch
Andy and Jessica Desch and family
Matt and Holly Desch and family
Patricia Bushman says
So sorry for your loss. The Lord keep you in His mighty hand.
Debra Loendorf says
I’m so grateful to have known Wayne as a teacher, coach, and neighbor. The lessons he taught me in Jr. High (basic electricity) have guided me through numerous projects. I was grateful for the confidence he gave me as a softball player, while coaching us as The Sunshine Girls, it carried through into adulthood. As a neighbor these past many years, l listened to Wayne’s Christian music as he worked in the garage and it always gave me a lift. We’re going to miss seeing his pickup with the lawnmower in the back go by the house. Wayne’s kindness and compassion, his many positive interactions with youth, as well as adults, have made a significant impact on our community. May the memories you made and the love of family and friends help sustain you in this time of mourning.
Debra & Gene Loendorf and family
Kyle Paulson says
Wayne was an awesome guy. He was a very approachable and caring teacher, but I enjoyed his dad jokes that he would say when we went over to play Halo even more. My condolences guys.
Katherine (Mickolio) Manders says
Connie and family –
“Mr. Bergen” was such a respected teacher in the Wolf Point High School and in the community. First time I ever held a golf club was at the Putt Hutt and those mini donuts were amazing BTW! His kind heart very apparent in the way he treated others – always with the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. I feel so very blessed to have known him and by the tributes here I am definitely not alone. He could make anyone smile and he was not afraid to laugh at himself.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all – Peace of Christ
Hayley Pawlowski says
Wayne was the kind of guy that you couldn’t be grouchy around. He always had a smile on his face and friendly reminder that it is all good. I’ll always remember him exactly like that. I’m so sorry that you lost your Dad and Husband. I hope you can find comfort in each other <3
Cynthia J. Landsrud says
Condolences to the entire and extended Bergen family. Horrible that Wayne’s life was cut short. He had a lot of life left. I often wonder why the nice ones are sometimes taken too early. In time, I hope your sorrow is diminished and fond memories fill your mind, until you meet again on the other side. Peace to all.
Mark Erickson says
I loved that guy. What gentle, humble spirit, and example of Christ. I will miss him dearly. I will see you in Heaven Wayne, but I’ve got to see my Maker and Savior Jesus Christ first! Mark D. Erickson