Michael H.

Bergman

Rev. Dr. Michael H. Bergman, loving husband and father, passed onto eternal life after a valiant, years' long battle with lung disease. 

Mike was born to Harmon Bergman and Mary Ellen (Shaw) Bergman on October 6, 1942 in San Diego, California. At the time, his father was navigating cargo airplanes deep into the South Pacific. In 1950, Mike's family flew 6,000 miles in a small airplane to Hacienda Casa Grande in Peru where his dad worked as a crop duster. Mike had many fond memories of his four years in Peru - he learned Spanish and first developed an interest in archeology. Mike’s teenage years were in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He graduated in 1961 from Laws Cruces High School and in 1966 from New Mexico State University (NMSU).

Mike’s first career was in human factors engineering. He worked at LTV aerospace, Edwards Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range. He earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering Philosophy at NMSU in 1972 and a PhD. In Human Factor Engineering from Texas A&M in 1981.

Mike’s second career was as a United Methodist pastor, which was quite a change from human factors engineering! Mike graduated from Iliff School of Theology in 1986. He served many United Methodist churches in Colorado and even Price UMC in Utah. In 1988, Mike married Karen (Krause) Bergman and was a loving husband and proud father to two daughters, Rachael and Sarah.

He was also a lifelong learner. In his retirement, Mike studied the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and participated with other scholars in the Lincoln Forum. He also audited anthropology classes from CU Denver. His anthropology professor said of Mike, “His curiosity never faded and his questions often pushed our conversations in meaningful directions.” He continued to be an active church member, participated in many pastors’ groups and often attended events at Iliff School of Theology.

Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Philip Bergman and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and daughters Rachel Bergman (Brandon Bergman) and Sarah Bergman (John Ketz), as well as his siblings Lucinda Allshouse (Dan Allshouse) and Al Bergman (Terri Gonzales).

There will be a Memorial Service at Park Hill United Methodist Church on Wednesday December 4th, 2026 at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to:

Park Hill United Methodist Church: 5209 E Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80207- Park Hill UMC- Donation Link

Center for Health and Hope: P.O. Box 202977, Denver, CO 80220 - Center For Health and Hope- Donation Link

New Mexico State University Foundation, 1305 N. Horseshoe Street Las Cruces, NM 88003- NMSU Foundation Donation Link