Marlin V. Bergerson

Marlin Virgil "Bergie" "Marly" Bergerson, of Forest Lake, died peacefully in his sleep on November 5, 2026. He delighted in recently celebrating his 90th birthday with many family and friends to mark the occasion. Marlin was born on April 26, 1936, in the back bedroom of a farmhouse near Kiester, Minnesota, the youngest of six children to their parents Esther (Anderson) and Alfred Bergerson.

He attended grammar school in Keister and Clarks Grove, then graduated from Albert Lea High School. He served in the army in Korea for two years, and for the rest of his life remained proud to be a veteran. In 1960 Marlin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College, and he remained an avid reader and lifelong learner. He worked as an investigator and a consumer safety officer for the Food and Drug Administration in Minneapolis.

Family gatherings were always very important to Marlin, especially birthdays, Christmas Eve, and “Dock Day.” He and Kay (Klopfleisch) were married for fifty-six years. His siblings were Orlan (Donna), Nylene (Herman) Thompson, Laverne (Opal), Elton, and another infant brother, all of whom preceded him in death. He had fifteen nieces and nephews, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. He also enjoyed undertaking genealogical research.

Marlin loved the great outdoors, and autumn was his favorite season. He enjoyed hunting (for deer, goose, and duck), fishing, and generally being on the lake or in the woods. Gardening and home landscaping, especially working alongside Kay, was another hobby. They also enjoyed traveling to places far and wide.

Marlin was very active in his local church in a variety of ministries, including serving on various committees and singing in the choir. Upon retirement he started a mission group that went on annual work trips to Louisiana for the next twenty-five years.

Late in his life he took great pleasure in watching the eagles fly over the lake and roost at the summit of the tallest evergreen tree.

A celebration of Marlin’s life will be held at Forest Hills United Methodist Church (1790 11th St. SE, Forest Lake, Minnesota) on Saturday, November 14, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sumter Cemetery near Brownton, Minnesota.