Marlen Leo Bergman

Marlen Leo Bergman, 69, Liberty MO, passed away November 20, 2017 at the North Kansas City Hospital after a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and dog Sparkie.

Marlen was born September 24, 1948 in Hendricks, MN to Leo and Laurene Bergman. After graduating from Elkton High School, Marlen enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a staff seargent at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota until January 1972. After his service, he attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Pharmacy. During this time he had two daughters, Stacy and Shawna. His 36 year career as a pharmacist spanned over several states including SD, MN, IA, and MO. It was while working in Montevideo, MN he met his wife, Charlene. They were married June 14, 1987 in Montevideo, MN. They moved to the Kansas City area in 1993 and Marlen eventually retired from CVS Pharmacy in Liberty in 2012. He was a long standing member of the American Pharmaceutical Association. While Marlen loved wine from dabbling at making his own varieties to picking grapes annually at Holy Field Winery & Vineyard in Basehor, KS, it was spending time with his family that meant the most to him. “Papa Marlen” rarely missed an opportunity to go to one of his grandchildren’s activities from football, soccer, baseball and basketball games, to art shows, choir and marching band competitions. He was always there to support them in whatever endeavors they undertook. Charlene and him often went on long road trips to spend time with their children and grandchildren stopping often at casinos along the way where a three hour drive often turned into five hour drive.

Marlen is survived by his wife, Charlene and their six children, Sheila (Jon) Stotz, Michelle Kilgore, Kim (Brian) Keesee, Stacy Zupan, Mike (Jen) Pedersen, Shawna Bergman; six grandchildren Megan Kilgore, Tyler Stotz, Kylee Kilgore, Shawn Stotz, Brayden Pedersen and Chase Pedersen; brother Marv (Cheryl) Bergman, sisters Marlene Pottratz and Marlys Landgren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Friday, November 24, 2017 at 9 am at Heartland, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, Mo 64133. Funeral services will follow at 10 am.

Memorial contributions should be made to the American Heart Association or The Sarcoma Foundation of America.

Condolences

  1. Connie Gieb on November 22, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    I am thinking of you all during this time and my heart is with you – I wish I could physically be with you Char, but I know you understand. We will visit soon and I am really looking forward to our reminiscing of all the good times we have had over the years, with Marlen being a huge part of our fun and memories. I thank God for Marlen being such a positive in the lives of your children and your grandchildren. He loved you all very much and it was evident he thought the world of all of you. I thank God for his friendship, his warm welcome whenever I visited your home. We will plan on some time together in the coming year honey. But I am so glad you have your children standing beside you to help you during this difficult time. All my love, forever, your “big sis” Connie



  2. Vickie and Everett Schulz on November 22, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    We are thinking of you. Marlen was a kind and friendly soul. He will be missed by all. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God’s peace sustain and strengthen you.



  3. Phil Spitznagle on November 23, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I am blessed to have known Marlen, and to have worked for a everal years with him in pharmacy. A good man, a conscientious pharmacist, a fun guy to hang with, a respected manager of people, and a considerate person. He will be missed. May God bless you and keep you. We will tip a glass together later.
    Phil



  4. Betty and Mike Cullen on November 23, 2017 at 8:22 am

    We are so very sorry for your loss and pray that you will all find peace and comfort to help you through this very difficult time. God be with you and hold you in HIs loving arms.



  5. Joan halverson on November 23, 2017 at 8:43 am

    To char and family. This is a sad time to reconnect with you, but when I saw this notice on Facebook I had to send you my condolences. Bless you and your family and my happy memories of times you spent together see you all through these days. Joan Halverson from first minnesota days in marshall



  6. Carla Tollefson on November 23, 2017 at 9:31 am

    May your whole family be lifted up in this very sad time in our family. Marlen was a true blessing to everyone who knew him during his life. He loved life and lived each day to the fullest. There are so many memories that each one of us can hold on to in our hearts. We will all miss him terribly because he is loved by so many.
    Love and prayers,
    Carla



  7. Mike Bower on November 23, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    Marlen was my friend and fellow pharmacist. We worked together at Eckerd and CVS. Countless evenings were spent together attending pharmacy continuing education dinners at some of the finest restaurants in the city. He would always get an extra dessert boxed to take home to Char. After he retired, we reconnected and for the last two years, we shared lunch nearly every other Tuesday at numerous small eclectic restaurants across the Kansas City area and our friendship deepened. I feel that I intimately know his family, although I never had the opportunity to meet them. I will greatly miss my friend and send my sincerest cocondolences to all.



  8. Dave Wagner on November 25, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    To Marlen’s family,
    I am thankful that Marlen attended our 50th class reunion in Verdi last summer. It was so good to see him and we send our sincere sympathies to his family.
    Dave Wagner



  9. Adrian Smith on November 27, 2017 at 7:14 pm

    Marlen and I went to school together for 6 years Two years of coun try school and 4 at Verdi . We were the best of friends. I got to see Marlen a year ago at our class reunion. It was so nice to visit with him. My Sympathy to his family Adrian Smith



  10. Herbert Simon on January 24, 2018 at 9:06 pm

    Marlen was a wonderful pharmacist and special person. It was a learning experience when ever I had the opportunity to work with him. He was a throw back to the days when pharmacist made friends with their clients and he looked out for his workers as well as his customers. SO sorry to have found out about his passing so late. May his name be for a blessing.



Leave a Condolence