<p><br />In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 3, 2019 George Bergmann quietly passed from this world, into his new heavenly home where he was met with open arms by his Lord.</p> <p>George was born in Ruckenau, Ukraine on June 16, 1921. In 1926 his family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Ste Anne, Manitoba. He had many boyhood adventures in Ste Anne, building lifelong friendships. He graduated high school from the Ste. Anne Convent where he became fluent in French.</p> <p>In January 1944 George found his personal relationship with Jesus. Later that year he was baptized and became a member of the Steinbach M.B. Church. His faith never wavered, and carried him through his life&rsquo;s journey. Dad loved the church! He served on many committees, and together George and Esther served as deacons for 25 years.</p> <p>On October 15, 1950 he married Esther Regehr, his sweetheart. They enjoyed nearly 69 years of marriage. George and Esther created a home filled with unconditional love. Dad treated mom like a queen, and there was never a lack of affection for her. She was his &lsquo;sweets&rsquo;!</p> <p>He was a top notch hunter, fisherman and trapper! He knew the trails in Sandilands like the back of his hand! Grain farming and owning a lumber camp rounded out his industrious nature. Although these things were important in his life, his family was always number one! Family life was lively and fun. Running (and winning) races across the yard with the kids, summer road trips, picnics and always time for ice cream cones. George was proud of his family! Together with Esther, raising their 6 children, welcoming their &lsquo;in-law&rsquo; children as their own, and basking in the glory of becoming grandparents to 19 grandkids and 39 great-grandkids who loved their Papa George!</p> <p>George has left an amazing legacy. His relationship with Jesus was a shining example of how to &lsquo;do life&rsquo;. Always a positive, upbeat attitude. He emphasized how important our life choices were, and how far reaching they would become. He saw much change in his lifetime, and embraced it. He was our hero, and a shining example of what the perfect husband, father and gentleman should be.</p> <p>He encouraged us. Prayed for us, and showed us the right way to live. After selling the farm, George and Esther moved into a home in Steinbach where he resided till his passing. He enjoyed his sunset years, moose hunting (well into his 80&rsquo;s) travelling with Esther, visiting family and spending hundreds of hours on the trapline in Sandilands.</p> <p>George is survived by his wife Esther, children Art (Lois), Judy (Art) Lautt, Lin (JC) Peters, Jan (Harold) Kehler, Kathy (Bob) Winkler and Rick (El), 19 grandchildren and their families, 39 great-grandchildren (and two on the way!).</p> <p>He was predeceased by his parents and seven siblings.</p> <p>Honorary pallbearers are Georges grandchildren.</p> <p>We are grateful for the many years we had with George, and will miss him immensely.</p> <p>The family wishes to thank the outstanding care and comfort he and our family received during His brief illness.</p> <p>The visitation will be held Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a meditation at 7:15 p.m.</p> <p>The celebration of life will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 11:00 a.m., at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church, at the corner of Second St. and Lumber Ave. Steinbach, MB.</p> <p>Interment will be held prior to the funeral service.</p> <p>Donations may be made to Square One World Media, 225 Riverton Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2L 0N1</p>