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Martin J. Bergin
1939 - 2020
Martin J. Bergin
1939 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1939
DIED
2020
Martin Bergin Obituary
Bergin, Martin J.
June 8, 1939 - September 24, 2020. Born in Mattoon, IL, Martin was raised in West Texas and New Mexico.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Maureen Wurm Bergin. He was also preceded by his parents Hugh and Louise Bergin, and brothers Tom Bergin, Pete Bergin, Hugh Bergin and Sy Bergin.
Martin is survived by his children Mary Guth (John) of Sedgewickville, MO, Theresa Palmer (Rich) of Clarksville, MO, Hugh Joseph Bergin of Tebbetts, MO, and Beth Sanders (Steve) of Thompson, MO and his brother Jerry Bergin of Oklahoma City, OK. He is Papa to 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Martin received his Bachelors in Conservation and Forestry.
He joined the Navy at age 17 and achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Hart, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation & Unit Citations. He was a Navy Deep Sea Diver, Submariner and worked in Naval Intelligence. Retired from the US Navy.
He retired from General Electric Medical Systems and the United States Record Center.
He was a master saddle maker and was inducted into the International Federation of Leather Crafters Hall of Fame in 2012, as well as receiving their Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also awarded the Republican Small Businessman of the Year Award.
Martin was a published cowboy poet and entertainer, performing on national television and film. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America throughout his lifetime, including scoutmaster to award winning scouting troops throughout the country including Troop 189. He worked with the regional and national organization to promote scouting for over 40 years.
Martin may be best remembered for his love of a fine saddle, a good horse, a rank bull and an excellent cigar. Let'er Buck!
Services: Memorial Service at ORTMANN FUNERAL HOME, 9222 Lackland Road, Overland, MO 63114, on Oct. 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Full Navy military honors to be presented at 6:30 p.m.
Visitation from 3:00 p.m. until time of service.
Ortmann Funeral Home www.osfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Teresa Shearmire
June 28, 2023
My condolences to the family. I just saw this in June 2023. My name is Teresa Shearmire, I worked for The Leather Factory in Springfield, MO years back and sold leather to Martin. He was one of my favorite people to talk to. I'm glad to have known him, even for a brief moment in time.
Paula Wahl
July 20, 2021
So sad to hear of Martins passing. I feel honored to have had the chance to meet him and have him work on my saddles. He was truly the best!
David Deckard
September 30, 2020
Deepest sympathies to the Bergin family, Martin was definitely one of a kind, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Nan Kammann-Judd
September 29, 2020
Martin Bergin told stories during several of the St. Louis Storytelling Festivals. He was not only a fascinating man but the consummate gentlemen who showed so much kindness and respect to everyone. It was a privilege to know him and to hear his stories.
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Kevin Kolasch
September 29, 2020
It's been my fortune, honor and privilege to have known Mr. Martin (Boomer) Bergin for the past 15 years!
He's been a mentor, promoter and very special friend to say the least.
He has taught me how to have a better understanding of the Cowboy and Custom leather business simply through our conversations.
We've laughed, jawed and even showed our compassionate side when life seems harsh or sad.
This guy has done so many things in his life it's hard to fathom!
But what stands out most for me in anything and everything Martin has done, he does humbly!
Rest in peace, my friend, as you join Maureen again at the gates of heaven!
Sharon Colbert-Jepsen
September 29, 2020
Deepest sympathies to Martin's family and close friends. What a fella he was and I have always felt privileged to have known him. He will be greatly missed. Montana Kay
Richard Hartman
September 29, 2020
My condolences to Martin's family.
Phyllis Osborne is my Mother in Law.
My heart weeps for her. Martin was her Rock for years. I didn't realize what an amazing and many talented man he was. I just know he was kind and made Phyllis happy.
Richard Hartman
Brenda Walker
September 28, 2020
Abby. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your family! Sending you hugs!
Keegan Fox
September 28, 2020
We’re gonna miss you
Patty Lavezzi (Palmer)
September 28, 2020
I've been a part of his family since grade school, he taught me how to make my first pot of coffee, as a kid if you were visiting at the house he would call you into his shop, chat for a while and tell you to refill his cup of coffee and I LOVED IT, you had to make sure there was always a fresh pot of coffee going. Theresa was my best friend growing up so his home and family were my second home growing up, I have MANY fond memories being a part of his family. He was a cowboy through and through told us stories about cattle drives, bull riding, rodeos and taught me leatherwork in 4H.
Dawn Inman
September 28, 2020
Dear family,
Martin was a wonderful neighbor from day 1 to my daughter and husband and I know they will miss him. The people they bought the house from had turned off the electric and gas on their move in day and failed to tell anyone they were doing that and it was freezing outside. This sweet kind-hearted man found out what was going on and he wouldn't stand for it so ran extension cords from his house to theirs so we could have light and some space heaters to move them in.
Rest easy Martin and thank you for touching our lives.
Howard & Judy Kern
September 28, 2020
Good bye my friend, rest in peace, someday we will see each other at the bull pen and choose our bulls.
james herron
September 27, 2020
Martin was a great guy (cowboy) to the last.
It was my privilege to know him, and to be able to talk with him.
His cowboy appearance gave people the wrong understanding of him. He was a real live hero and roll model to manny.
May he rest in peace.
Jim Herron
Retired chief of police
Overland Missouri
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9222 Lackland Road, Overland, MO 63114
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