It’s been darn near a month since this one of a kind woman, Marilyn has left us. And it’s been kinda difficult to figure out exactly what to say here, about her, now.

It was hard to hear of her passing. Yet, I’m thinking she had a great run on life too.

Oh my goodness how all the memories (especially up north) come flooding back.

She actually had a rather large impact on me throughout my whole life.

After she so kindly stop her car before running me over on my bike (after I flew through a stop sign), I have always stopped at em!

I’m still not the most patient fella but I did glean a a life long bit about it from her. I always thought, “how in the world does anybody have that kind of patience” doing the painting and needle work.

And the cabin…..how fortunate we all have had special memories there, I’m sure. And for me to have had so many with her, and all you kids is burned deep in the heart.

-setting the table

-eating fresh caught fish to die for

-4 o’clock martini time (although it took me three years to start appreciating them!)

-setting on the side porch just letting the world go by.

-laughing so hard it hurt howling back at the wolves over dinner

-believe it or not…doing the dishes. Remember the glassware first!

-the smell of coffee and bacon early mornings.

-the quite

-the sunsets

What a special place, but what made it that way to a large extent was her.

What a person

What a mom

What a friend

Glad to have known her

She left a deep impact I’m so grateful for

My best to all of you kids, john rummelhart

I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet my dear friend’s (Elizabeth) mother Marilyn when she visited Arkansas a few years ago. I remember she had a bright smile, beautiful sparking eyes, and enjoyed good conversation. Like mother , like daughter. Thoughts go out to her family.

I am grateful for the many memories. One of my favorites is of the trip I took with Marilyn to Scotland and England. On a hot summer’s day, I got Marilyn lost on our way to the National Gallery (it’s just around the corner! What a trooper!). Once there, I remember “explaining” a series of paintings to her from my literary perspective—paintings I had studied. She listened carefully and then added her insightful artistic understanding. Before we knew it, we had an audience of several dozen listening in. They were mesmerized by what this smart lady had to say—and so was I. Over lunch, we exclaimed about our good fortune to having given a lecture at the National Gallery! But she was the star that day, and a star in my life.

My condolences to Marilyn Bergland’s family. Marilyn was perhaps the longest and best friend of my wife, Marcia Pitkin, during the 20 years we lived in Iowa City. Until her death about three years ago, Marcia often reminisced about about their friendship. Roy Pitkin

To all the Berglund family, we are sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Memories of venison tacos with Earl and Marilyn followed by stories of their adventures at the cabin in Canada always bring smiles to our faces. And we enjoyed seeing Marilyn’s latest art project with one of our favorite pieces of art being a rosemaling painting she gifted us. We are grateful to have know Marilyn and called her a friend. Warmly, Staci & Jay Gilpin

Marilyn, my opera buddy. Was there a more sparkling, generous, compassionate, talented human being on this planet? I was singularly blessed to know her in our years at Legacy Pointe Assisted Living. Through long talks she helped to guide me as I tried to provide care for my wife, Mary, as Mary lived with the degenerating affliction of Huntington's Disease. As Mary moved to nursing care and finally death Marilyn consoled me and buoyed my spirits with her warmth and humor. We assembled numerous jigsaw puzzles, enjoyed many operas and ballets together and hoisted our traditional margaritas at restaurants throughout the Iowa City area. I adored this lovely woman always and will keep her in my heart forever.

Kim Wall

To all the Berglund family - Pleas accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom. We know she will be greatly missed. You are in our hearts and prayers. Take care!

To all the Berglund family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a well liked neighbor to all of us growing up in the Lincoln school neighborhood. She always had a smile for me when I was at her home. A part of my childhood. My love to you all. Carol Rummelhart Litton

I knew Mrs Berglund from just about the day I was born. My mother and Mrs Berglund were roommates in the post-delivery ward of the obstetrics wing at University Hospitals. Her son Phillip and I were born at almost the same time. Phillip and I became good friends and I spent a lot of time at the Berglund house, behind Lincoln School. Through those childhood years Mrs Berglund was always a kind and welcoming "second mother" to me. I am sad to learn of her passing and send my condolences to the family.