Martha "Marty" Jane Berglund

Martha “Marty” Jane Berglund, age 76, passed away peacefully on Friday January 9, in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado after a courageous 6-year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved family, whose lives she shaped profoundly with her love, faith, and strength.

Marty’s greatest legacy is her unwavering love for Jesus Christ and the family she cherished so deeply. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her words, actions, and the way she loved others. She lived this daily through, forgiveness, compassion, and service. Marty was a powerful force for good—always giving, always loving, and endlessly generous. She set a beautiful example of what it truly means to live with a servant’s heart.

Born on August 10, 1949, in rural Ohio, Marty’s life journey was marked by courage, resilience, and adventure from the very beginning. Growing up alongside her older brothers, Jim and Sam, and sister, Lillian. She was bold at heart, jumping from barn lofts into hay piles, driving at eight years old, and embracing life fearlessly. Her big sister, lovingly known as “Sissy,” was a constant source of protection and comfort, a bond that remained strong throughout Marty’s life.

Marty persevered through hardships in her childhood and excelled in high school as a majorette and a member of the school newspaper. She later attended the University of Dayton, where she worked as a supervisor in the computer department. True to her adventurous spirit, she often reminisced about flying Piper Cub airplanes and enjoying motocross -never one to shy away from a challenge.

Marty welcomed her first daughter, Anna, at age 21. After her marriage ended, with limited funds, but determined to build a better life, she and her daughter moved to Los Angeles. She worked hard, raised Anna as a single mother for ten years, and forged a path defined by perseverance.

Marty then moved to Denver where she became a successful car salesperson before joining McGraw Hill’s Dodge Division where she rose to become their top producer. In Denver, she met the love of her life, Jerry R. Berglund in early 1979. Together they built a life rooted in love and faith with their children Anna, Beau, Bret, and Jana. She was her husband’s greatest encourager and supporter. In fact, Jerry credits her wisdom, insight, and unwavering belief in him as instrumental to their success in business and life. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Marty’s heart for service extended far beyond her family. She consistently saw the most in people and encouraged each person she encountered to dream bigger and find the best in themselves. She served for many years on the board of Colorado Uplift, supporting Urban Youth Ministries and numerous other charitable organizations. Her faith was evident in her random acts of kindness, and the grace with which she treated everyone she encountered. Compassion and forgiveness lived deeply within her soul. These values she instilled in her children, teaching them to stand up for themselves and for what is right.

Marty is survived by her husband, Jerry; her kids, Anna (Ron) Beau (Toni), Bret (Courtney) and Jana (Mark); her sister, Lillian; and her treasured grandchildren: Jackson, William, Matthew, Sophie, Georgia, Jace, Gentry, Scarlett and Reagan.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Sam and Jim Arney, and her parents, Illa and Walter Arney.

While her family grieves her loss, they rejoice in knowing Marty is now healed and whole and resting in the presence of her Savior. Her faith, love, generosity, and servant’s heart will live on through all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marty’s honor to Urban Youth Ministries, PO Box 460429, Aurora, CO 80046, and/or Colorado Uplift, 1500 S. Dayton St. Aurora, CO 80247, and/or KLove P.O. Box 2098 Omaha, NE 68103.

Services will be held at Dixon Chapel on Thursday January 22nd at 1PM -3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.