John G. Berkhimer

John G. Berkhimer, 91, lifelong resident of Humboldt, passed away on Thursday morning, October 24, 2024, surrounded by love. 

John was born August 5, 1933 in Humboldt, the son of Reginald and Blanche (Erickson) Berkhimer. He was raised and educated in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1951. John was united in marriage to Marietta Morgan on December 26, 1952 at the Congregational Church. The couple made their home and raised their children, Michael and Beth, on the family farm where John continued to pursue his love of farming. In addition to farming, he worked for UBC and later Sande Construction, retiring as the lumber yard manager after many years of service. John had an unparalleled work ethic and commitment to excellence in the service he provided. 

His family came first, and he was a fierce advocate for them. John fought tirelessly to ensure Mike got the care he needed to manage his struggles with mental illness. He put work aside on Sundays and devoted his time to his family. Sunday dinner at Grandma’s was always a highlight and he often spent the day with his kids - going for ice cream (he loved a good chocolate marshmallow sundae), teaching them to drive the Ford tractor, fishing, or walking through Oleson Park. John enjoyed family vacations and was always game for a road trip. He once headed out with Marietta and Mike on an epic 5,200-mile adventure across the Western United states. 

John was a voracious reader who enjoyed a variety of genres. Some of his favorite authors included Larry McMurtry, James Patterson, and David Rosenfelt. He also enjoyed a good biography/autobiography and history books, in particular those that focused on Native American culture.   

He loved watching college basketball, always cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a loyal Cubs fan, an interest that began as a child when he would take the train to Chicago to visit his uncle and take in a game. A proud member of the Raider Nation, he had fun watching games with his daughter. 

As a music lover he had varied tastes in country, rock, blues and classical. On his favorites list were Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton to name a few. He never asked his son to turn down the volume and took his daughter to her first concert, igniting in her a love of live music.  

Always up on current events, John gathered his news from multiple sources. He held tight to his views on politics, women’s rights, environmental issues and social justice. He was eager to engage in an energetic exchange of ideas and was disheartened by the events of recent years. He hoped that society could find its way back to more peaceful, respectful times. He had an unwavering moral compass and was an egalitarian at heart - a belief he passed on to his children.

John loved nature, animals and being outdoors. He spent hours gardening, raising a variety of vegetables and flowers as well as a fantastic pumpkin patch. He was eager to share these with family and friends. The farm was always full of animals and his kids had many pets to love - dogs, cats, ponies and even a duck named Charlie.  

He utilized his talents as a carpenter to build all the buildings on the family farm, including both houses. He built a playhouse for his daughter that is still standing to this day. He was always ready to take on a project and to lend a hand to others.

John was often a man of few words, but one who always kept his word. When he spoke, he meant what he said and what he said meant something. Those privileged to experience his dry wit, knew he had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh.

John is survived by his daughter Beth (Ben Leach) of Edina, Minnesota and nieces Sondra Sterling and Erica Muhler. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of sixty years, Marietta, son Michael, brother Keith Berkhimer and too many dearly loved pets to name.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 16th at Union Cemetery, Humboldt. A Memorial Gathering will follow from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt. www.masonlindhart.com    

In lieu of memorials, please live life, enjoy every moment, take time to read a good book and treat yourself to a chocolate marshmallow sundae.