Christopher Bergan

Bergan, Kenneth and Vivian (Hamre)

(Kenneth and Vivian Bergan)

Kenneth Bergan was born 24 Mar 1915 to Martin and Louise (Nelson) Bergan. He was the 3rd of 3 sons: Haldor, born 1 Sep 1908, R. Allard, born 11 Dec. 1911 and Kenneth.

The family moved from Harmony, MN in 1923 to Decorah, IA where they rented and lived in the Stove Wood House (now a part of Vesterheim Museum). Ken continued 2nd grade at the old West Side School. When a junior in high school Ken was hired by Thurst's Music Store as a part-time furnace “man” and sometimes janitor. Eventually he waited on customers.

After high school graduation Ken attended Luther College 1 year, then worked 2 years in a local radio factory. He returned to Luther where he played in the band and orchestra. Ken and Vivian had their first date 22 Oct 1937. On 28 Dec 1938 they were married.

Majoring in music and English, Vivian finished her senior year at Luther Jun 1939 while Ken was a temporary teacher of mathematics and physics at the college. Beginning Sep 1939 Ken taught music and other subjects in Garnavillo, IA. That continued until 1941 when a move to Chicago was made and Ken worked for Motorola Radio. Son Paul Martin was born 13 Oct 1942.

By Nov 1942 Ken was in the navy via Ft. Schuyler, Princeton University and M.l.T, where he was a radar officer. The family was in the Boston area until Mar 1946. Ken then returned to Motorola Radio in Chicago as an engineer in the research laboratory when daughter Ruth Louise was born

Kenneth and Vivian (Hamre) Bergan

In Apr 1950 the family moved to the Minneapolis area where Ken worked for several companies as an engineer — the last 20 years at Control Data Corporation. He retired in 1980. In 1988 Ken and Vivian moved back to Decorah. They now live on the spot where the Stove Wood House once stood.

Bergan, Martin and Louise (Nelson)

(Kenneth Bergan)

Martin Bergan was born 17 Mar 1876 at Locust, IA to Hans and Toni (Ellis) Bergan (Johnson). The Bergan farm was about one-fourth mile north of the Locust store where Martin’s mother was postmistress. Martin was the 5th child of 10. Some used the name Bergan, some Johnson. They were: Sam Johnson, John Johnson, Bertha Johnson (Mrs. Peter Oistad), Bernard Johnson, Julius Bergan, Ida Johnson (Mrs. Hogan Oistad), Helmer Johnson, Hilda Bergan (Mrs. Alfred Maland) and Theodore Johnson.

About 1880 the family moved to a farm near Harmony, MN. Family records show that Hans was a money lender.