Marlen Lester Bergan

Marlen L. Bergan, 82 of Devils Lake formerly of Maddock, ND died on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Marlen will be held on Friday, December 16, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at North Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock, ND. Rev. Allen Campbell will officiate and burial will be in the North Viking Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Theodore A. Togstad American Legion Post #123 of Maddock. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and visitation on Friday will be at the church from 12:30 p.m. until time of service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Marlen will be Richard Schwab, Howard Smith, Robert Hetler, Kent Rohr, Gorden Fugle and Arlo Schmidt. Music will be provided by Roger Hill, Soloist and Jennifer Hagen, Organist Marlen Lester Bergan was born on April 17, 1923 at Ridgeway, Iowa to Leander and Alma (Koecker) Bergan. He came with his parents to North Dakota in 1925. He grew up on a farm in Maddock, ND. He attended Maddock Public School and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural School in 1942. Marlen entered the US Army on December 3, 1942 serving his country during World War II. He served overseas in Australia and New Guinea. He received the Good Conduct, Victory, American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medals. He was Honorably discharged from Camp McCoy, Wisconsin on January 28, 1946 and returned to North Dakota. He farmed most of his life and was a great horseman. He owned many horses over the years. He attended Auctioneer School in Mason City, Iowa. After school he built his own auction barn and held auctions for several years. Marlen was united in marriage to Wilma Jean Patterson of Alcoa, Tennessee on July 17, 1952. They made their home in Devils Lake. He was a member of North Viking Lutheran Church and a life member of the Disabled Veterans of America. Marlen so enjoyed meeting his friends at the local restaurants for coffee and to discuss their farming operations. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Marlen is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Wilma Sister: Arlene Hetler, McVille, ND Brothers: Leonard Bergan and his wife, Jacki of Amery, Wisconsin Orrin Bergan of Mesa, Arizona Several Nephews and Nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Bruce Hetler and sister-in-law, Patricia Bergan.