John Kenneth Bergman

Little, Iowa John Bergman, age 84 of Little Rock, IA passed away Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. Funeral service will be 1:30p.m., Tuesday, April 21st at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA with Rev. Brian Hellenga officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock. Visitation will be Monday, April 20th from 2-8p.m. with the family present from 6-8p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, IA. John Kenneth Bergman was born August 15, 1924 on a farm in the Ellsworth, MN area. He was the son of Siefke and Helen (Fisher) Bergman. He attended Elgin Township Country School through the 8th grade. John was united in marriage to Margaret Stratmeier December 12, 1945 at Little Rock, IA. They farmed near Little Rock until 1973 when they moved to their present home in town. John worked at Great Plains Supply Co. for 10 years and Chase Bag for 10 years, retiring in 1991. John made confession of his faith October 1948. John and Margaret have been members of Salem Reformed Church for 60 years. In that time John served as both Deacon and Elder. John's greatest enjoyments were camping, fishing, gardening and Sunday afternoon visits with his family. He and Margaret enjoyed playing cards with a local Pinochle Club. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 64 years, Margaret; four daughters, Linda (Larry) Kix of Rock Rapids, IA, Dianne (Harlan) Johnson of Ellsworth, MN, Marjorie (Dennis) Van Roekel of Baldwin, WI and Judy Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA; twelve grandchildren, Loren (Karla) Kix of Ellsworth, MN, Mark (Kim) Kix of Groten, SD, Marla Hannover of Estherville, IA, Michelle (Michael) Fenicle of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy (Joel) Labat of Marshall, MN, Tracy (Bob) Gruis of George, IA, Jan (Adam) Kinsinger of Luverne, MN, Jill Johnson of Luverne, MN, C.J. (Laura) Van Roekel of Boone, IA, Kyle Van Roekel of Baldwin, WI, Caleb Van Roekel of Eau Claire, WI and Kendall Huisman of Ontario, CA ; fourteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Kathryn (Don) Saville of Sheldon, IA; one sister-in-law, Clarice Bergman of Perry, IA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Siefke and Helen Bergman; son-in-law, Russel Huisman; brother, Cecil Bergman; and sister, Elsie Heeren. His final words of encouragement were, "I love you and remember the Lord will take care of you."