Mardelle A. Bergsten

Gretna - Mardelle Ann (Arff) Bergsten was born March 25, 1951, to Elden and Lois (Schnack) Arff in Omaha, NE. Mardelle was baptized and confirmed at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Growing up on a farm in the Gretna area, many 4-H activities filled her childhood summers.

Mardelle was a 1969 graduate of Gretna High School. She attended UNL Home Ec College for two years and then went on to Lincoln Technical College, graduating with her Licensed Practical Nursing degree in 1973. While in college, she enjoyed working and making ice cream at the UNL Dairy Store.

Mardelle met Richard Bergsten while sledding with Richard’s cousins in Nebraska. The couple married on November 13, 1971.

She started her career at nursing homes, then transitioned to working with in-home care patients and in a rehab unit. While the family lived in Holdrege, NE, she owned and operated a deli called the Cheese Corner for six years. Mardelle ended her career as a nurse with in-home care for a total of 44 years in nursing.

Their family grew with the births of their sons, Ryan and Russell. Richard and Mardelle passed down their love for 4-H to their boys, who participated in many 4-H activities. Mardelle also helped with their many Boy Scout activities and was very proud of both boys for earning their Eagle Scout.

Mardelle’s creative energy and talent were evident in the many hobbies she enjoyed, including sewing, crafting, baking, and cooking. She loved playing cards with friends and family. In more recent years, participating in OWLS (Older, Wiser Lutherans) at her church brought her fun and close friendships. She volunteered much of her time to church activities. She also loved following her kids’ and grandkids’ activities, attending several of their games, dance recitals, and other events.

Mardelle passed away on July 26, 2026, at her home at the age of 75. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, and son Randall; parents; grandparents; mother-in-law and father-in-law; brother, Dwayne, and his wife, Natalee; and brother-in-law, Ronald Johns. Left to mourn her passing are sons, Ryan (Kari) Bergsten of Gretna, NE, and Russell (Melanie) Bergsten of Kearney, NE; grandchildren, Reagan and Rhett, of Gretna, NE, and Braedyn and Brooklyn, of Kearney, NE; sister, Alane Johns; brother-in-law, Rex (Lori) Bergsten; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM. With Memorial Service 11:00 AM Saturday (8/8/2026) at Resurrection Lutheran Church 153 S. McKenna Ave. Gretna, NE.

Memorials to Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com