Mearl Bergren

On November 23, 2023, Thanksgiving day, we learned the true meaning of “Thanksgiving”. Our Papa got his angel wings that day. It was a shock for us, but a blessing for him. We are so thankful to have had this wonderful man as our leader and Papa. We miss him like crazy, but celebrate his arrival to his forever home, where he awaits our arrival there someday too. Mearl Bergren was born September 4, 1939, to Gus and Elva Bergren in Leavenworth, WA. He lived his whole life there and loved every minute of it. An avid fisherman and outdoorsman, he thrived and bloomed where he was planted. He was the youngest of eight children and somehow always kept the zest for fun and adventure within him his entire life. He graduated from Leavenworth High School, in 1957. During his high school years, he was proven to be somewhat of an “adrenaline junkie” as he ski jumped and had a speed boat. Both of which certainly took a lot of courage. Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He got his pilot's license during his time in the service since he was an airplane mechanic, which only seemed fitting. During his last few months in the Army, he went on a blind date and, unbeknownst to him at that time, met his one and only future wife, Phyllis Mullins. After his honorable discharge, he went back home to Washington State and Phyllis stayed behind in Arizona. They stay in contact by mail. (Boy, times sure have changed!) He proposed through a letter in the mail and she said,”YES”! They were married on March 22, 1965. They made their life in Leavenworth, Peshastin, and Cashmere communities. They had three children: Art, Liz, and Kari. Their lives were filled with adventures only few could imagine. Not fancy trips or expensive things but hiking, camping, and fishing in the most beautiful places God made. It sometimes took some work to get there, but it was ALWAYS worth it! Just like our journey towards heaven! Mearl, loving outdoors, always had jobs that were outside, where he was the happiest. He was a heavy equipment operator for the Peshastin Mill, on avalanche control for Steven's Pass and the U.S. Highway Department and eventually owned and operated Bergren Excavation until his retirement. He loved what he did. Mearl reconnected with his classmates and lifelong friend, Sandy Reiman, this past year and their adventures took them to places they so enjoyed together. Sandy put the sunshine back in his life. We loved that for them. Mearl and Phyllis were members of the Cashmere Church of Christ and loved their “family” there. Mearl was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis; parents: Gus and Elva; brothers: Harry, Dave and Alf; sisters: Margo, Pat, and Liz. He is survived by his brother, Carl (Sheila) Bergren; children: Art (Pam) Page, Liz (Geno) Edmunds, and Kari Wolcott; grandchildren: Jarryd, Lindsey, and Dylan Page, Cory and Cyd Edmunds, Brandin and Blake Wolcott; six great-grandchildren; special friend, Sandy Reiman, and her family. A Service of Celebration of Mearl's Life will be held at King's Orchard Church of Christ, 1610 Orchard Ave, Wenatchee, WA, 98801, on January 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Mearl touched so many lives and all who knew him loved him. Please come, share stories and share a wonderful meal provided by the Cashmere Church ladies. Carl Wilmore presiding. Arrangements in the care of Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Mearl Bergren

September 4, 1939 - November 23, 2023