Muriel L. Bergan
Muriel L. Bergan, 90, Hanlontown entered her eternal home Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 while a resident at the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 3, at Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown, with Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt officiating. Visitation will be prior to the funeral starting at Noon. Burial will take place at Brush Point Cemetery.
Muriel LouAnn was born Feb. 12, 1932 near Scarville, the daughter of Gail (Brunsvold) and Roy Peterson. She was baptized at Scarville Lutheran Church and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Hanlontown. She graduated from Hanlontown High School, Class of 1949. She played basketball, participating in the Iowa State Tournament, and was also honored as the Band Queen for Hanlontown High School in 1949.
On April 20, 1951, Muriel married Arden L. Bergan at Grace Lutheran Church. They made their life-long home near Hanlontown, where they raised their five children. Muriel worked a short time as a bookkeeper for the Hanlontown Elevator before becoming full-time homemaker and bookkeeper for Bergan Excavating. She also served as Treasurer for Grace Lutheran WELCA for many years.
In Arden’s words, “Muriel, my beloved, bore and reared our children, a life-time partner, did the bookwork, meal maker, clothing care, loves flower beds, gardening, grandchildren and families. Supportive and involved in church, daily devotions, my companion and help-mate through all circumstances, good or bad.”
She is survived by her children: Diane (Rick) Aguilera, Manly; Donna (Mike) Kennedy, Hanlontown; Ruth (Gene) Simon, Clear Lake; Rebecca (Larry) Ritzert, Lake Mills; and Mark Bergan, St Charles, Mo.; grandchildren: Jennifer (Todd) Leet, Jamie (Jason) Bonnema, Jesse (Chelsey) Aguilera, Jeromy Kennedy, Kelly Kennedy, Bridget Stitt, David Stitt Jr, Joe (Amanda) Ritzert, Sadie (Jesse) Lee, Rachel (Adam) Stene, Jack Bergan, and Teddy Bergan; 32 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: JoAnn Peterson, Arlene Keeling and Lynda Condurelis; along with many nieces and nephews.
Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Arden; parents; sister, Marian Jennings; and brother, Marvin Peterson; as well as several sisters and brothers-in-law.
