Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
While Steve and I will not be able to attend the funeral, we are sending prayers and hugs. Gene was a great guy who really loved caring for the land. Leslie and Justin sprayed beans and picked rocks with the Berkland crew. Many fun tales usually centered around the dining table.
Linda Pitt
August 19, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
Our sympathy to the Berkland family. Gene and Joan were “salt of the earth” community pillars. Hope they are laughing and dancing in perfect time in heaven.
Repeated sympathy to all.
Dick and Anne Marie Nelson
August 18, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA
Barb, I am so sorry to read of your loss .
JoAnn Coakley
August 18, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA | Acquaintance
I am so sorry to read of the lost of your good friend Barb.
JoAnn Coakley
August 18, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA | Friend
Our sympathy and prayers to Gene’s family. Enjoyed knowing Gene and Joan. Joan gave me Iris plants. Thought of them everytime they bloomed. Rest in peace
Jim & Jan Stillman
August 18, 2025 | Norwalk, IA
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. I have so many memories of Uncle Gene from when I was growing up. My daughter, Sapphire, also has memories, including the time she called him her hero..... that story for another time. While neither of us are able to attend the upcoming funeral, we both send our love to the rest of the family. Oh the stories that will be told!
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Rhonda Simmons (Berkland)
August 16, 2025 | Las Cruces, NM | Family
I only met Gene once, but felt like I knew him a long time. Sorry to hear of his passing. (Barb's niece, Debbie)
Debbie Doty
August 15, 2025 | COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA | Friend
He was a very kind sweet man I will miss him so much
Michelle Mammen
August 15, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
In Loving MemoryEugene S. BerklandJuly 13, 1932 - August 15, 2025Gene's funeral service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@flcspencerVISITATIONFriday, August 22, 20256:00 - 8:00 P.M.Faith Lutheran ChurchSpencer, IowaSERVICESaturday, August 23, 202511:00 A.M.Faith Lutheran ChurchSpencer, IowaCLERGYRev. Eric PattenINTERMENTLost Island Lutheran CemeteryRuthven, Iowa
Chores are finished. The lawn is mowed. The coffee is hot. The harvest is complete.
July 13, 1932 a farmer was born to Bert and Leone (Larson) Berkland in Emmetsburg, IA. Eugene (Gene) Stuart Berkland, the oldest of 6, learned to work hard, care for livestock, steward the land, and contribute to his community from little on. After graduating from Emmetsburg High School, Gene attended Iowa State University where he met the love of his life, Justine (Joan) Mosher. He served in the U.S. Army and returned to marry her on July 24, 1955.
Following a brief time as a carpenter, Gene and Joan planted their roots and established their Lost Island township homestead in 1957. Together, they raised chickens, beef cattle, hogs, sheep, a dairy cow, crops and 3 children, Daniel (Dan), Lori, and Curtis (Curt). They worshipped the Lord together at Lost Island Lutheran Church and then Faith Lutheran in Spencer, IA. They loved their family and their neighbors, served their community, square danced, and traveled together for 59 years before Joan's death exactly 11 years ago.
For the last 10 years, Gene and his special friend, Barb Schleisman, enjoyed many theatre and musical performances, games of Farkel, and baseball and ISU sports, in addition to making many part runs.
Gene went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2025 at the Spencer Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Leone (Larson) Berkland, his wife, Joan Berkland, sisters Lucinda Berkland and Colleen (Berkland) Thompson, brother Richard Berkland, brother-in-law Emmett Thompson, and son Curt Berkland.
Left to carry on his love of agriculture are his son, Dr. Dan (Loretta) Berkland of Sibley, IA, Dr. Lori (Bob) Calkins of East Chain, MN, daughter-in-law Lisa Berkland of Ruthven, IA, brothers Gary (Sue) Berkland of Belmond, IA and Dennis (Terre) Berkland of Yankton, SD, grandchildren Tim (Melissa) Berkland, Michael (Alexa) Berkland, Kevin (Erica) Berkland, Jill (Kraig) Boernsen, Mackenzie Berkland, Abby (Carter) Olson, Matthew Berkland, and Daniel Calkins and great-grandchildren Connor, Levi, Tate, Sophie, and William Berkland and Ivy Boernsen and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
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