Excelsior, Minnesota
Berkey, John C. age 75 of Excelsior passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on April 29 2008. John Berkey was born in Edgeley North Dakota and grew up and lived in Excelsior Minnesota. After briefly attending the Minneapolis School of Art and taking various art studio jobs, Berkey became a staff artist at the Brown & Bigelow calendar company for eight years and began his career as a freelance illustrator in 1964. Berkey is well known for his science fiction illustrations including several for the movie 'Star Wars'. Renowned for his robust and impressionistic style, he has created paintings for book covers, movie posters, advertisements, and his paintings have appeared on 16 U.S. postage stamps. In 2004, Berkey was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, which includes artists Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Frederick Remington and John James Audubon. Berkey's style inspired many artists during his lifelong career as an illustrator. Preceded in death by his daughter Sharon Grafius and his parents I. C. and Harriet Berkey. Survived by his loving wife, Damaris (Demi) Berkey; children, Brian Berkey, Kevin Berkey, John J. (Nicolet) Berkey; son-in-law, Guy Grafius; grandchildren, John E., Hugo, Annabel, George and Peter Berkey, Connor and Ava Grafius; sister, Janice Knapp. Memorial service 2 PM Friday May 16, 2008 at the Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471 3rd Street, Excelsior, MN with visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to: The Society of Illustrators Scholarship Fund, Attn: Anelle Miller, 128 E 63rd Street, NYC, NY 10065. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services The Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
John was a great friend and I think of him often. He left a legacy with me and with millions of others who, knowingly or not, will continue to enjoy his gifts for decades to come.
James Krieger
April 25, 2021 | Mountain Home, AR | Friend
Eleven years later and I still reference to others John's wonderful, personal quirks which were an important part of this unique man I came so well to know.
Jim Krieger
April 25, 2019 | Mountain Home, AR | Friend
Dear Demi and family,
When I received word of John's passing, it was like all the oxygen had left the room. I can't begin to tell you the admiration I felt for John on a personal, professional and artistic level. I feel very fortunate to have known him. He was in a class all by himself. I will continue to think of him often and pray for the family.
With deepest sympathies,
Brent & Marianne Miller
May 11, 2008 | Pittsburgh, PA
Hello Brian,
I am very sorry to hear of your fathers passing and extend my condolences to you and your family.
Dick Mersky
May 11, 2008 | Jamaica, West Indies
Dear Demi, Brian, Johnny, Kevin and all the family:
We love you and love John, and he will always be in our hearts. His gentle humor, sweet affection,and
titanic talents are a legacy not to be
forgotten. We wish you the love of friends ,neighbors and relatives in this time.
Love, Nancy and Tom Coleman
nancy coleman
May 09, 2008 | St. Louis Park, MN
Dear Demi,
I'm so very sorry this sad time has come. I have so many memories of shared, conversations full of friendship and trust, late evening dinners, and beautiful art, both yours and John's.
Cathie O'Rourke
May 06, 2008 | St. Paul, MN
Hi Demi--You probably don't remember me-Hugh Thorson-I built your house many years ago-I will always remember John's great talent and gentle manor. I'm 81 years old-living in Santa Barbara
Hugh Thorson
May 05, 2008 | Santa Barbara, CA
I will miss you, my dear uncle.
Charles Illg
May 05, 2008 | Tucson, AZ
It was a very good pleasure to have meet and work for such a sweet person. even though I only meet him such a short time ago Im glad that I got a chance to meet him and his beautiful wife.
marquitta mccray
May 05, 2008 | Plymouth, MN
