John Edward Bergman, 74, of Seneca, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St Francis Hospital in Topeka after a 9 month battle with gastric cancer.

John was born on January 24, 1951, in Seneca, Kansas to Cletus and Rachel (Lorson) Bergman. He grew up in the Seneca community, where he developed strong roots that remained with him throughout his life.

John attended Sts Peter and Paul School in Seneca and graduated in 1969. After high school, he attended NCKA Vo-Tech in Beloit, Kansas studying to be a diesel mechanic for two years before beginning his career.  He worked for Wentz Equipment in Topeka from 1971 to 1976 and later for Henry Brothers in Seneca.

In 1974 John met Marceil Deters, the love of his life. They were united in marriage on November 13, 1976, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville, Kansas, and cherished their love and the life they created together.

In April of 1978, John made the decision to leave Henry Brothers to farm full time. It rained that entire month and John often remarked he could have worked another month before getting into the fields.  Farming and raising a family during the 1980’s was a challenging time. When asked about that decade, John simply stated “There were some years when all we raised was a family.”  He enjoyed farming because it allowed him to be outdoors, work with his hands, and make improvements to the land and equipment. While he also raised cattle, crops and machinery were his true passions. He was always relieved to have the crops planted in the spring and especially looked forward to wheat harvest. He fondly recalled hauling wheat to the elevator with a tractor and wagon in his youth.  John spent his winters maintaining his farm equipment and preparing for the next year of farming.  He had a natural talent for mechanics and an appreciation for how things worked. John continued to farm until his health prevented him from doing so, even helping clean out a grain bin a few days before his diagnosis.

Outside of farming, John was deeply interested in history; a book about local settlers or World War II was always the perfect gift.  He was skilled at woodworking, making furniture and toys for his children and nieces and nephews.  In recent years he enjoyed buying and restoring pedal tractors as well as following his grandchildren in their activities. He was very proud of them all and showed his pride in a quiet manner.

John was a member of Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, where his faith quietly guided his life. He lived his beliefs through his actions by caring for what he had, working honestly, helping others when needed, and leading by example.

Mourning his loss are his wife, Marceil, of 49 years, his three sons, Russell (Lesley) Bergman, of South Windsor, Conn, Kevin (Julia) Bergman of Seneca and Neil (Stacey) Bergman of Olathe; his nine grandchildren, Kendal, Aiden, Wylee, Emmett, Lucas, Alec, Margo, Olivia and Hallie; and his siblings, Becky (Michael) Frontiera of St Paul, Minn and Ted (Tricia) Bergman of Lawrence.

The Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 and 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Lauer Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas. The burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Sts Peter and Paul School and/or C.O.I.N.S. for a Cause, sent in care of the family.