Services will be at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sioux City. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Miriam was born in Chicago on Jan. 9, 1919, to Max and May (Leese) Liebermann. She graduated from Sullivan High School and attended Northwestern University.

Miriam married Arthur Bergen on Nov. 14, 1947. They lived in Chicago until 1951 when they moved to Primghar where they purchased/operated Bergen's General Store from 1951 to 1980 when Miriam retired. They spent lots of great times during summers at their condo at Lake Okoboji and winters in Destin, Fla., making lifelong friends. In April 2011 Miriam moved from Primghar to The Highlands in Spencer where she spent many happy times. In May 2022 she moved to assisted living in Waukee, Iowa, to be nearer to family.

As a young woman in Chicago Miriam was active in B'nai B'rith Girls. She traveled to Port Jervis, N.Y., where she participated in the creation of B'nai B'rith Young Women. In Primghar she was active in the General Federation of Women's Clubs holding many local and statewide offices. She was a member of Eastern Star and was active in social groups at local churches. She was very active in Peace Links in Primghar and represented all local Peace Links groups nationwide at their annual gala in Washington, D.C., where she gave a heartfelt speech and met Queen Noor of Jordan. She served on the Baum Harmon Mercy Hospital board in Primghar for 13 years and for 30 years served on the Care Review Committee for the O'Brien County Home.

She started playing golf at age 72 and enjoyed playing with the Primghar Ladies Club for 20 years. She was a member of the Primghar Book Club and was an avid bridge and mahjong player, playing everywhere she lived. She was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Sioux City and a lifetime member of Hadassah. For many years she conducted classes on "Judaism in the Home" at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and spoke at many area churches.

She is survived by her two children Lee Bergen (wife Jean) and Raye Bergen (husband Hannes Spintzik); granddaughters Linsey (Bergen) Schlosser (husband Tad), and Katie Bergen (partner Brandon Thompson); "special" granddaughter Ruzan (Karhanyan) Morrison (husband Matt); great-granddaughters Anessa and Liana Morrison; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Miriam was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Marcus.

Remembrances to the Southern Poverty Law Center (334-956-8408) or to a charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sioux City Journal on Jan. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Miriam Bergen

Sponsored by Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

4 Entries

Sue Hass

January 9, 2023

Dear Lee, Raye and families -
I was so saddened to receive the news of Miriam's passing and sorry I did not receive it in time to attend her funeral. What can I say that you don't already know about your Mother. She was one of the most beautiful
people I have ever known and I feel so blessed to have been called friend by her. She will be remembered and treasured by so many of her GFWC friends.

Eileen Hageman

January 6, 2023

So sorry to hear of Miriam´s passing. She was one of the first people I met after joining GFWC. She is one of the reasons I advanced to state level leadership. She always seemed younger than her age. She was a great listener and always had the ability to make you feel special. She will be missed!

Linda Jones

January 6, 2023

Thinking of you today. May special memories comfort you. Mirian was a very caring lady and loved by many in Primghar. She lived across the street from my sister-in-law Mary Robinson so I kept up with her over the years. She will be missed by many. Lee and I were in the same grade. Linda (Robinson) Jones.

Doyle and Sheryl Wilson

January 5, 2023

Condolences to you Lee and Ray. I always thought it a privilege to know your mother. She was one of my mothers best friends and I know they had some great discussions and good memories. Doyle

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