Myles Bergeson, of Dawson, died suddenly on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, at the age of 75.
Funeral services was Sunday, November 13, at 1:00 PM in Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson with Pastor Patricia Johnson-Carlson officiating (Pastor from his church, Crossroads Lutheran Congregation Church); Marlene and David both gave personal tributes and read scriptures; Dennis Hoyles sang "On Eagle's Wings" and organist, Barry Lund accompanied the singing of "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," "Amazing Grace" and "Beautiful Savior." Douglas Bergeson, Lyle Breberg, Kevin Bergeson, Betty Twete, Troy Hoyles, Jeffery Fodness, Sheila Windingstad and Billy Hoyles were casketbearers and interment was in Grace Cemetery.
Visitation was Saturday, Nov 12 from 5-7 PM, with a 7 PM prayer service at the Crossroads Lutheran Congregation Church (the former Living Water Church on the south end of Dawson's main street).
Myles Brainerd Bergeson was born on June 2, 1936, at the Dawson Hospital, to Brainerd and Minnie (Gilbertson) Bergeson and welcomed home by four brothers; Norval, Burdell, Stanley, and Franklin. The family resided in Cerro Gordo Township on their farm along the banks of the Lac qui Parle River. Myles was baptized and confirmed at Lac qui Parle Lutheran church near the farm. Myles followed his passion of farming and crafted it into a lifelong pursuit. He found great pleasure and reward in being able to spend time doing what he loved, as he enjoyed seeing the real gifts of God displayed in nature. Myles was united in marriage to Marcia Mae Hoyles on June 21, 1964, at the First Congregational church in Marietta, MN. To this union, two children were born; Marlene Louise and David Myles. The Lord called Marcia home to be with Him on April 14, 1976, after a courageous battle with cancer. Myles received another blessing from the Lord when he met Karen Lou Fodness of Dawson, originally from Lennox, SD. Myles and Karen were united in marriage on October 16, 1977, at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, MN. Myles and Karen shared 34 years of marriage together before the Lord called Myles home on November 9, 2011.
Myles will be remembered by a host of people whom he met and connected with in his life of farming, as well as through his involvement with many church, community, and farm organizations. Myles was known for his activities with Farm Bureau and served as county president for many years. Farming may have been his passion, but faith and family were his life. This point was demonstrated often in his love of family that extended well beyond relation and into community. Myles loved the Lord and enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. He was involved with the Men's Bible study group that met each Thursday morning at Grace Lutheran Church, and treasured the friendships of these gentlemen. He also took very seriously his commitment to follow through with the baptismal promise made for each of his children to teach them about God and to guide them to a life in Christ. Myles' most recent passion was the joy of being a grandfather to his three grandchildren; Michael Davis Bergeson, Laura Joy Bergeson, and Evan Myles Bergeson. His kind eyes would light up and his warm caring smile would greet each one of them whenever he saw them. Myles and Karen enjoyed many other opportunities to befriend and instruct children through church and mentoring programs.
Myles is survived by his wife Karen Lou; his daughter, Marlene Louise; son, David Myles and daughter-in-law, Damaris Elizabeth (Gearhart) Bergeson; grandchildren: Michael Davis, Laura Joy, and Evan Myles Bergeson; brothers: Stanley (Betty) and Franklin; sisters-in-law: Elnore Bergeson, Dolores Windingstad, Marion Thompson, Bonnie Hoyles, Lorraine Hoyles, and Rebecca Henault; brothers-in-law: Dennis Hoyles, Joe Bolstad, Jerome Breberg, Robert Fodness, and Dave Fodness; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brainerd and Minnie; wife, Marcia on April 14, 1976; brothers: Norval and Burdell; sisters-in-law: Edna (Streich) Bergeson, Jean (Gamble) Bergeson, Harriet (Hoyles) Shephard, and Dorothy (Hoyles) Bolstad; brothers-in-law: Henry Hoyles, Harold Windingstad, and Jack Shephard; and nephew, Jody Bergeson.
Blessed be his memory and treasured be the times we shared.