Floyd Ellis Bergen

Floyd Ellis Bergen was born at home with his grandmother as the midwife, December 8, 1938 in Balko, Oklahoma. He was the first of two children born to Anna and Theodore Bergen. The Dust Bowl years had a profound effect on the rest of his life. Many heard Floyd tell the story of starting school with shoes made of rubber from truck tires on the side of the highway, his mother having to send back the shoes, as she did not have enough egg money to pay for them. Rain eventually returned and the family started a dairy business that brought them out of poverty. The hard work learned at the farm served him well his entire life as did the experiences he had with FFA. As a champion judge, he learned to think on his feet and justify his thinking. He was further molded by his family's deep faith as members of the Balko Mennonite Brethren Church. Floyd’s ability to know that all sin is against God and not him was astounding. When things didn't go well as things sometimes do, he said it was on them and not to keep track of the wrongs. He went on to play basketball for Tabor College, a Mennonite Brethren college in Kansas. There, he was mentored by many, but he was immensely fond of Coach Reimer. He credits the coach with teaching him to follow through on hard things. He loved his time at Tabor and his teammates there. From Tabor, he came to the University of Oklahoma for a masters, and met his fellow Mennonite folks that were doing Pizza Huts. He opened his first store in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1962. From there he went on to open hundreds of Pizza Huts. He had also opened a billing service for doctors in Oklahoma and met folks from all over the state. At that time he also traded and collected coins. During his career as a habitual investor which continued until days before his death, Floyd entered into many businesses. He loved projects and was optimistic and fearless. His good friend Bob Goodson, who was holding a place for him in heaven, helped him trade many ranches, landing on the one that he would never sell in Sulphur Oklahoma. It will be the place of his internment. He loved ranching and agriculture. Floyd did it all. He loved hunting, fishing, race horses, all things oil fields — drill, baby, drill. He loved auctions, collected western treasures, and held a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade. While clearing off his desk, his family found purchases of airplanes from Europe. His love of golf took him all over the world to play beautiful golf courses. He loved Las Vegas, especially during the National Finals Rodeo every December. He built golf courses, night clubs, and hotels. He owned cattle lots on both sides of the border with Mexico — bringing roping steers into the US. He was a man's man with lots of friends to play cards with and have a great time. He was able to remember things about folks and was always interested in how they were doing. It was with great joy that he helped his family work on farm-to-school food. He remembered when food started coming to schools in the early 1940s — as a hungry child hating that canned spinach. Fresh vegetables were his heart's desire for the children of our state. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan, Brent and his wife Janet of Missouri, Shana Bergen, Jessica Bergen Elliott and her husband Robby, and Blake Bergen of Norman. He has 7 precious grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren with the 9th on the way. His brother Verlyn and wife Karen live in Missouri. He loved all of us and would openly tell you that you were loved. Honorary pallbearers are: Hank Bradley, Max Weldon, Gary Zesch, Dennis Shoemaker, Chris Wicker, Stewart Sampson, Alan McCalip, Vernon Adams, Ray McNeely, the late Judge Gary Purcell and the late Jerry Meyer. Services will be held Tuesday, March 25th 2 pm at Wildwood Church, Norman, OK. Can't wait to hear your stories!!! Memorial gifts are suggested to Tabor College or the charity of your choosing.

Floyd Ellis Bergen

December 8, 1938 - March 13, 2025