Enoch Benjamin Bergman passed away peacefully on May 22, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family. His last prayer was for Jesus to take him home. He was 93 years old.
Ben was born to Joseph and Lydia Bergman on September 28, 1923 in Turlock, CA. At the age of 19, he entered active duty with the US Army in November of 1942. He served with the 253rd Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division of the 7th U.S. Army. He saw action in the WWII European Theater as an infantry Platoon Sargent, and was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor as well as the Combat Infantry Badge.
After occupation duty in Germany, he was discharged following V-J Day and returned home to begin a successful farming and business career in the Hughson and Denair areas. Ben began farming with his father before his military service and continued after his discharge. He was later joined by his son Randy and remained involved until the week of his passing. Ben’s passions included his faith, his family, and his country, all of which he served with the utmost devotion and love. He also had a love for flying and maintained his pilot’s license until 83 years old. He raised an amazing family and was a paragon in his church and community. Among the many boards Ben served on were the Evangelical Free Church, Emanuel Hospital of Turlock, Hughson School Board, California Freestone Peach association, and the Cling Peach Advisory Board. Ben,
one of the remaining Greatest Generation soldiers, has made his “final approach.” Ben was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ruby Bergman. In 2001, Ben lost his wife after 55 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Carol (Tim) Hodgson of Modesto, Randall (Cathy) Bergman of Denair, and Dr. Gary (Colleen) Bergman of Everson, WA; his grandchildren, Ryan Hodgson, Jaime (Bergman) Forrest, Jeff Bergman, Tiffany (Hodgson) Mestas, Julie (Bergman) Slovek, Dr. Cory Bergman, Major Andrew Bergman of the USAF, and Dr. Daniel Bergman; along with 20 great-grandchildren. Ben is also survived by his sisters, Ethel (Stan) Olson of Turlock and Esther (George) Lacy of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, followed by a Memorial service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 1 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Following the Memorial service, a burial will take place at Turlock Memorial Park.
