Shirley Ann Bergman

Mom left this earth on her birthday and through her baptism, started her new life with Christ and the communion of saints.  The night before, she had laughter-filled conversations with both her children, and prayed and sang hymns with her brother Leslie.  The Lord’s Prayer was the last thing she heard and said as she fell asleep. 

Shirley grew up on a farm in Archbold, Ohio during the Depression.  She was the first born and had three younger brothers, Jerry, Robert and Leslie.  She attended Ridgeville High School, was a voracious reader, and joined as many club as she could.  She graduated in 1953 and then attended Concordia, Ft. Wayne to earn her teaching degree.  With her LCMS teaching certificate, she headed west to Denver, Colorado, stopping through Seward on the way.  She met Marvin in Denver and they were married on Easter afternoon in 1960.  They had a wonderful marriage partnership for 62 years, and their adventures included founding Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan, spending several years in NYC, and then moving to Seward in 1970.  While Marvin taught at Concordia, Shirley completed her B.A. at Concordia, and then earned her master’s degree in Sociology and a PhD. in Gerontology at the University of Nebraska.  She wrote numerous books on aging gracefully and passed along her positive outlook on aging through workshops and retreats across the country.  Through these adventures, she developed a strong network of colleagues and peers that she would hold dear to her heart for the rest of her life.   Shirley also implemented the Lutheran Education Center on Aging at Concordia, which became the Lutheran Institute on Aging and Family.  In 1998, she became the first woman to be elected to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations for the LCMS.  She would faithfully carried out this mission for 12 years, and earned great respect from her male counterparts.     

She leaves behind daughter Joy and David Schwartz, son Jon and Caroline Bergman, along with grandchildren Christian Ray, Ty, Henry and Harrison Bergman.  Dear brothers, Jerry (Alice), Robert (Jean), Leslie (Carol), and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as the Bergman side of the family who she also dearly loved.  Mom had so many incredible friends in Seward, as well as her Saturday morning regulars which were affectionately called “Group.”  Shirley truly ran the great race with class and humor every step of the way and will be forever missed.  We miss and love you so very much, Mom.   

Memorials can be made to Concordia University, St. John, Seward, or the charity of one’s choice.  

Shirley's funeral service will be live streamed on St. John Lutheran Church YouTube channel.  http://www.youtube.com/@StJohnSeward 

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