Muriel Louann Bergan

Muriel L. Bergan, age 90 of Hanlontown entered her eternal home on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 while a resident at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church in Hanlontown with Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt officiating. Visitation will be prior to the funeral starting at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Brush Point Cemetery. Muriel LouAnn was born February 12, 1932 near Scarville, Iowa, daughter of Gail (Brunsvold) and Roy Peterson. She was baptized at Scarville Lutheran Church and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in 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 & 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 of Manly, Donna (Mike) Kennedy of Hanlontown, Ruth (Gene) Simon of Clear Lake, Rebecca (Larry) Ritzert of Lake Mills, Mark Bergan of 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 and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 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.