Shirley Bergman

Shirley Darlene Bergman, age 94, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the daughter of John Fredrick and Lydia (Kettwigg) Etjen on July 13, 1926, at home north of Parkersburg. Shirley graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1944. At a young age, Shirley worked at Carl and Tillie Heyenga’s General Store.
On May 15, 1952, Shirley was united in marriage with Clarence “Lefty” Harold Bergman at Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg. The couple made their home in Parkersburg for a couple of years and then they purchased a school house in Buck Grove and converted it to their home, where they lived for the next 46 years. Shirley and Clarence moved into Parkersburg in 2000. Shirley worked several years at IPS, she then worked for the dentist in Parkersburg, Dr. Watson until she retired.
Shirley was a life-long faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She was baptized, confirmed and married at the church. Shirley was very active at the church and taught Sunday School for several years. She was a member of the Parkersburg American Legion Auxiliary. Shirley enjoyed canning, reading, working on puzzles and playing cards and dominos with family and friends. Shirley and Clarence enjoyed wintering in Florida for several years. Family was very important to Shirley, especially getting together on Sundays and holidays.
Shirley passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Parker Place in Parkersburg, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Clarence on January 2, 2011; a son, Timothy Bergman; a grandson, Zachary Bergman; her parents, John and Lydia Etjen; and two sisters, Lois Harken and Mavis Neymeyer.
Shirley is survived by a daughter, Nancy (Randy) Wischmeier of Burlington, Iowa; a son, Gary Bergman of Parkersburg; six grandchildren, Megan (Ethan) Shaner, Victoria (Joseph) Greenwood, Tyler Bergman, Brooke Green, Amy Bergman, and David Eckhoff; six great-grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Etjen of Parkersburg, James Etjen of Tacoma, Washington and Craig (Bonnie) Etjen of Parkersburg; one sister, Connie (Scott) Simon of Parkersburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 21, 2021, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Kent Wallace officiating. Organist was Amy Truax and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Go Now In Peace”. Stan Thompson provided special music as he sang “One Day At A Time”. The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg and David Eckoff, Tyler Bergman, Derek Etjen, Jeremiah Hook, Chad Schipper and Craig Etjen served as Casketbearers.
Visitation was held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg and one hour before services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later time. Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com