Martin Diehl Berglund, 69, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 10, 2021 while laughing too hard at his own jokes. Or maybe not. We all know how he loved to tell stories. He had that rare ability to be able to recall every detail and emotion of any event between you and him. Marty was born July 19, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Sarah (Diehl) Berglund. As a young boy he was an active Boy Scout and tinkered with technology of the day. As an adult, he became a licensed amateur ham radio operator, developed a knack for woodworking, enjoyed biking, car racing and attended classic car shows. He had a strong relationship with his uncle, the late Harry Diehl of Imlay City, and they loved talking all things tech. Professionally, this jack of all trades, was able to work with his father, Bill, for several years at Michigan Bell and made some great lifelong friends.
In 2010, he made his way to a family home in Mesa, Arizona with, then wife, Dianne. Here he was able to care for his mother until she lost her fight with Alzeheimers. He spent a few great years working for ADOT from which he retired and then spent a few years keeping busy by working at Sears and CO, where he could do what he did best, share his knowledge, humor, passion, and talent for problem solving with people.
Martin is survived by his daughters: Julie Berglund of Florida, Melissa (Tavis) Lutzka of Michigan and their mother Gloria (Bayliss) Berglund; 3 loving grandchildren: Lilley, Kent, and Josephine; Sister: Pamela Huntington of Connecticut; Niece and Nephew: Graham Huntington and Sarah (Alex) Novicki; Aunt: Charlotte (the late Harry) Diehl of Florida; Former Wife and Close Friend: Dianne Monahan and her children Mike Monahan and Suzanne (Scott) Short and their kids: Kylie, Colin, and Declan.
Thank you to all of his friends that have stuck by his side all these years. He loved each one of you. The family would like to give a special thank you to his three devoted friends from Sears: Kelly, Don and Wendall, and fur-friend Mila who were best friends and who not only enjoyed the good times with him, but also were by his side for the tough times these last few years.
A celebration of Marty’s life will take place in the Mesa area in the spring. Details to come. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you spend time with your favorite people, listen to your favorite music, play some trivia, raise a glass and say a toast in honor of Martin.
I think you were trying to tell me this time was coming …in a round about way…. by reminding me to appreciate the time we have together. I will miss the long extended stories and I wish I would have recorded several conversations. We were not together in life as much as a girl would hope for, but when you were with me…you were present 100%. I appreciate and cherish the great times we had. Until we see each other again, don’t get into too much trouble!
I love you dad.
Lovely memories. Martin always had a ready smile, would lend an ear if you needed someone to listen; always had a good word to share. Very much appreciated him as a person and co-worker. I always remember his funny stories and how he would say “at the end of the day, a man needs a cold glass of milk and his dog.” That did make me smile large. Condolences to all his family.
Julie and Melissa as they say you guys Hit it out of the Park. Marty was always so Proud of You!
Very nice tribute to Marty. He was such a friendly and engaging person and will definitely be missed. Love and hugs to your family.
I think you were trying to tell me this time was coming …in a round about way…. by reminding me to appreciate the time we have together. I will miss the long extended stories and I wish I would have recorded several conversations. We were not together in life as much as a girl would hope for, but when you were with me…you were present 100%. I appreciate and cherish the great times we had. Until we see each other again, don’t get into too much trouble!
I love you dad.
Lovely memories. Martin always had a ready smile, would lend an ear if you needed someone to listen; always had a good word to share. Very much appreciated him as a person and co-worker. I always remember his funny stories and how he would say “at the end of the day, a man needs a cold glass of milk and his dog.” That did make me smile large. Condolences to all his family.
Julie and Melissa as they say you guys Hit it out of the Park. Marty was always so Proud of You!
Very nice tribute to Marty. He was such a friendly and engaging person and will definitely be missed. Love and hugs to your family.