Marvin Henry Bergstrom, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 in Santa Maria, California, losing his long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born on May 15, 1926 in Rush City, Minnesota to Henry and Essie Bergstrom.

Marv was raised in Rush City and as a young boy helped his father deliver milk and worked on the farm. He attended Rush City High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In his senior year, prior to graduating from high school in1944, Marv enlisted in the Army Air Corps, serving in both World War II and Korea.

Following his discharge from the military in 1946, he attended St. Cloud University, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor's degree. Marv was recalled to the Air Force Reserves during the Korean Conflict and played ball for their team at March Air Field.

He met and married Marie (Nunie) Knotts in 1952. He worked alongside her brothers, George and Fred Knotts, bartending and barbequeing at their new restaurant, Jocko's.

Marv became a teacher in 1953, first teaching 8th grade in Pismo Beach and later moved on to teach in Santa Maria. He played basketball for the Golden Dukes and also taught at Orcutt Jr. High School. During his years of teaching, he taught Driver's Education and coached basketball, cross-country and the first golf team at Ventura High School. Marv's teaching career led him to Ventura College, where he began as a counselor and eventually became the Dean of Admissions and Records. He played in many golf tournaments, never missing a Saturday morning T-time with "The Dawn Patrol" at Soule Park. Following his retirement in 1985 he later moved to Hemet, Calif., where he enjoyed living at a golf course.

Marv is survived by his son Bob Bergstrom and his wife Jo of Santa Maria, Calif., their children; Heidi, Carly, Jimmy and Patti; his daughter, Kris Bergstrom of Ventura, Calif.; his sister LaVonne Moffatt of Ventura, Calif., sister-in-law Elaine Bergstrom of Eden Prairie and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marie (Knotts) Bergstrom in March of this year, and his younger brother Don, who died in 1982.

The Rev. Laurie O'Shea will officiate at a graveside memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 7, 2007 at the First Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. A light lunch will follow the service at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1000 S. Jay Avenue, Rush City. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Minnesota, Olson Chapel.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com