BERGAN, Arden LeRoy 1930-2009

BERGAN

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 11/10/2009 at 13:03:11

HANLONTOWN, IOWA - Arden L. Bergan, 79, of rural Hanlontown passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2009, near his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown with Pastor Linda Johnson officiating. Burial will take place in Brush Point Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Otto/Chose American Legion Post 235 of Lake Mills.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009) at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Arden LeRoy Bergan was born on February 8, 1930, in Hancock County, Iowa, to parents Clarence and Agnes (Benson) Bergan. He attended Fertile Elementary School and went on to attend Hanlontown High School. Arden was baptized and confirmed at Ellington (Pilot Knob) Lutheran Church.

Arden served his country in the United States Army as a corporal from Nov. 28, 1951, to Nov. 6, 1953, and was granted an honorable discharge.

On April 20, 1951, Arden was united in marriage with Muriel Peterson at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown. The couple made their home near Lake Mills, where Arden farmed, and in 1960, they moved to Hanlontown where Arden began his excavating business.

Arden was a dedicated warrior for God, fighting for a vision and purpose far greater than himself. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown and devoted to supporting missions around the world. He was active with POP (Preserving Our Past) with which he helped restore a log cabin for the Worth County Historical Society and Museum.

Arden and Muriel enjoyed each other's company, spending winters in Florida. He was a devoted husband, dedicated and loving father and grandfather. He was a true friend and neighbor to all. Arden loved the outdoors and all of God's creation.

He will be missed and remembered by his wife, Muriel, of Hanlontown; five children, Diane (Rick) Aguilera of Manly, Donna (Mike) Kennedy of Hanlontown, Ruth (Gene) Simon of Clear Lake, Rebecca (Larry) Ritzert of Lake Mills and Mark (Jodi) Bergan of League City, Texas; grandchildren, Jennifer (Todd) Leet, Jamie (Jason) Bonnema, Jesse Aguilera, Jeromy Kennedy, Kelly Kennedy (Andy DeWitt), Bridget Stitt (Chad Johnson), Joseph (Amanda) Ritzert, Sadie (Jesse) Lee, Rachel Ritzert, Jack Bergan and Theodore Bergan; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Arden is also survived by three sisters, Norma Helin of Mason City, Arlene Keeling of Mason City and JoAnn (Morris) Norem of Clear Lake; two sisters-in-law, Naoma Gesme of Clear Lake and Lynda Condurelis of Nashville, Tenn.; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roger and Dennis Bergan; and three nieces.

Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills, 641-592-0221. You can contact the family with online condolences at www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com .

[Published in the Mason City Globe-Gazette online, 11/10/2009 -- www.globegazette.com ]