Berkenpas, Harold Lloyd 1926-2005
BERKENPAS, TAMMINGA
Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 4/14/2005 at 11:41:32
STERLING, Colo. -- Harold L. Berkenpas, 78, of Sterling Colo., and formerly of Le Mars, died Jan. 16, 2005, at the Living Center in Sterling, Colo.
Harold Lloyd Berkenpas was born in the family home in Le Mars, on June 11, 1926, to Henry and Anna (Tamminga) Berkenpas. Harold attended school in Le Mars. After graduating from high school, he attended Westmar College in Le Mars with a major in journalism. Harold served in three branches of the military, the Navy, Air Force and was an officer in Company K of the National Guard. He was a veteran of World War II.
After residing in the Omaha, Neb., and Sioux City, Iowa, area he made the decision to "head west", California being the destination. During a short stopover in Sterling, Colo., en route to California, he became so fond of the community of Sterling and its residents that he saw no reason to continue on to California. Sterling became his home for the remainder of his life. Harold was active in the community of Sterling, especially in his church where he was an usher and assisted with many of the events.
Along with God, church, family and friends, his passions were cooking and music. Writing music was something he dearly loved as evidenced by having at least two of his songs, "What Do You Do With A Broken Heart" and "Lonely Part of Town" recorded in 1999. One of his most treasured personal possessions was his guitar.
Harold never married. Although physically removed from most of his family who, for the most part, remained in Iowa, he continued to be in contact with family "back home" as he was always interested in what was happening in the lives of his siblings and their families.
Harold became a resident of the Sterling Living Center. After becoming at peace with his life on earth, he prepared for his passage to heaven.
Harold is survived by one sister; Gertrude Zoerink of Le Mars; a brother, Darrell and his wife, Lorraine Berkenpas of Le Mars and his nieces, nephews and their families along with the numerous loyal friends who mourn his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Anna, and six brothers and sisters: Richard Berkenpas, Esther (Berkenpas) Faber, Sidney Berkenpas, Gilbert Berkenpas, Donald Berkenpas and Leonard Berkenpas.
A memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church in Sterling on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate Harold's life as he truly touched the lives of many in the Sterling area.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the Rev. Dar Berkenpas officiating. Harold's cremains will be laid to rest in Le Mars, on a family burial plot.
Tombstone Photo
Plymouth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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