Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Emmetsburg, Iowa
In Loving Memory
Justine "Joan" Berkland
November 6, 1933 ~ August 15, 2014
VISITATION
Sunday, August 17, 2014
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa
SERVICE
Faith Lutheran Church
Spencer, Iowa
Monday, August 18, 2014, 10:30 A.M.
CLERGY
Rev. Lee Laaveg
MUSIC
Denise Laaveg ~ Organist/Pianist
Dennis Larson ~ Vocalist
Abby Calkins ~ Piano Solo
SONGS
In the Sweet By and By (Solo)
In the Garden
Blessed Assurance
God Will Take Care of You
O How He Loves You and Me(Piano solo)
Amazing Grace (Piano solo)
HONORARY BEARERS
Jill Berkland
Mackenzie Berkland
Abby Calkins
Matthew Berkland
Daniel Calkins
CASKET BEARERS
Gary Berkland
Dennis Berkland
Tim Berkland
Mike Berkland
Kevin Berkland
Keith VanKleek
BURIAL
Lost Island Lutheran Cemetery
Ruthven, Iowa
The family requests that memorials be given to Hospice of Northern Iowa or Ostomy Support Group.
Justine "Joan" Berkland, was born November 6, 1933 to Kenneth and Justine (Hartley) Mosher in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1955 with a degree in Home Economics Education. Following graduation, she married Eugene Berkland on July 24, 1955 at the Salem Congregational Church and moved to Ayrshire, Iowa where she taught for two years. In 1957 they moved to a farm north of Ruthven.
Joan tended many gardens in her lifetime, both literally and figuratively. She sowed seeds at Lost Island Lutheran Church, serving as a council member, Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher and active member of circle and Ladies Aid. She cultivated many people at Lakeside Lutheran Home, serving on the board and volunteering for 40 years! She cared for the community through many years of serving with the Palo Alto Community Fund and more recently she served with others at Faith Lutheran Church in Spencer.
Her love for her family blossomed with her three children, eight grandchildren and many special friends. She was the love of Gene's life!
Joan took joy in the harvests of her life. She was dedicated to her family and anyone who happened to stop by for lunch. She not only preserved many fruits and vegetables but also preserved strong family values. For many, many years she gave leadership to the local ostomy support group. She also enjoyed traveling with Gene to see gardens of friends and relatives around the USA.
During different seasons of her life, she enjoyed golfing, square dancing and spending time with many special neighbors and friends. No matter what season of life, she aimed to live out her faith in Jesus Christ.
Thanks be to God for God's steadfast love endures forever.
Joan went to be with the Lord Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Spencer Municipal Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Berkland of 59 years; three children, Dan (Loretta) Berkland of Sibley, IA, Lori (Bob) Calkins of East Chain, MN and Curt (Lisa) Berkland of Ruthven, IA; eight grandchildren; her brother, Norval (Esther) Mosher of Marshalltown, IA; her sister, Averil (Carlyle) Merritt of Mason City, IA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Our deepest sympathy in your loss!! So enjoyed Joan and her irises are blooming at my house as a very nice remembrance of her. Prayers for you all. And God's grace and peace.
Jim and Jan Stillman
Jan Stillman
August 22, 2014 | Emmetsburg, IA
So sorry to learn of Joan's passing. May God keep his healing hands on all of you.
Sheryl Smith
August 21, 2014
Gene, Curt and Family,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in my prayers!
Kevin Hartkemeyer
August 18, 2014 | Highland, IL
Curt,Lisa, Mackenzie & Matt,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. We grieve with you at the loss of Mom & Grandma. We know she was much loved and will be missed a lot!
May God enfold you with his love; we know your faith will sustain you.
All our love,
Uncle Don & Aunt Olive
Don & Olive Gross
August 17, 2014 | Fort Atkinson, WI
Gene and Family,
We were shocked to hear of Joan's passing. Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
John & Mary Steinkamp
Spirit Lake IA
August 17, 2014
Gene and Family,
My thoughts are with all of you, it's a difficult time, but Joan lived a life worth celebrating. She was a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of picking rocks and riding beans. Curt - do you remember the time the bean buggy seat broke on Joan? I remember looking over and she was gone - well she was actually hanging upside down too shocked to yell. I'll never forget that.
Enjoy all of the memories.
Johanna (Henningsen) Krueger
August 17, 2014 | Lincoln, NE
Our heartfelt condolences. Joan was one of the most uplifting persons to be around and her faith and values stood strong in her walk always. She was caring and genuine. An honor to know her, she will be missed. Our love and prayers to you Berkland family. The Alexanders
Julie Alexander
August 16, 2014 | Ruthven, IA
Gene and family, we are so very sorry to hear the sad news. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all of you! We will miss Joan so very much!
Kay & Todd Suhr
August 16, 2014 | Grimes, IA
Curt, Lisa, Mackenzie, and Matthew;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate your Mom/grandma's life with warm memories and precious time with family. Please give our condolences to your dad and the rest of your family. We are so sorry we are unable to be there for you, but our prayers and thoughts will be. Tom, Tina, and Gabe
Tina Brooks
August 16, 2014 | Lyndon Station, WI
