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Earl Berkobien Obituary
CANADIAN LAKES -- Earl H. Berkobien, loving husband, father and grandfather, of Canadian Lakes, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 81.
Mr. Berkobien was born July 1, 1938, in Saginaw, to Herman and Edna (Nuerminger) Berkobien. Earl farmed in his younger years and was known as the "Pickle King" at the Saginaw Market. He retired from Chevrolet in Saginaw, where he worked as a millwright and was a member of the UAW.
Earl and his wife, Margaret, who preceded him in death, raised five children and would spend summers at Chippewa Lake, where he had bought and remodeled a cottage for his family. He enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting and captaining his pontoon boat.
Mr. Berkobien was very civic-minded and served as treasurer on the Carrollton Board of Education, was a member of the Carrollton Township Board, the Carrollton Lions Club and the Carrollton VFW.
Earl married Maryann Karamol on June 11, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Evart. He served as Eucharistic Minister and usher at Sacred Heart. Earl and Maryann made their home in Canadian Lakes.
Mr. Berkobien is survived by his wife, Maryann, of Canadian Lakes; his four children, Lee Berkobien, of Ann Arbor, Brian Berkobien, of Kenockee, Kelley (Rodney) Simpson, of New Albany, Ohio, and Chris (Beverly) Berkobien, of Frankenmuth; two step-children, Chris (Brandy) Karamol, of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Scott (Heather) Karamol, of Taylors, South Carolina; eighteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Shirley Hall, of Grayling.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margaret; his youngest daughter, Annette Berkobien; five sisters; and five brothers.
Funeral services honoring the life of Earl H. Berkobien are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evart, with Father Joe Fix officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Berkobien
Wanneka Fair
February 8, 2020
Rest in paradise my deepest condolences unto LEE and the entire family
Barbara Taylor
February 7, 2020
So sorry to hear of the passing of earl my prayers and thoughts for his family. We were on the Carrollton school board together and debated quite frequently. God bless his family.
Susan Mrozinski
February 7, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mary Lou Zinck Wilson
February 6, 2020
So sorry to hear of Earl's passing. He was a neighbor around the corner on Michigan Avenue and we went to school together at Bethleham Lutheran. My mother and dad were Esther and Sonny Zinck. Our house backed up to the Berkobien farm land. We lived at 4405 N. Michigan.
Sandy LaCrosse
February 6, 2020
My deepest sympathy Lee and family
Cindy Dupuis
February 5, 2020
Im so sorry Lee my old dear Friend. Hugs
Erika Brandi-Weiss
February 5, 2020
One of my Fondest Memories is when I and Annette were 11 years old. It was the day back in 1984 when the Tigers won the World Series. Annette and I were in the fancy living room hanging out, playing Barbies just like any other 11 year old little girls. I wish I could remember who but, the TV room was filled with grown men, and during that game, when the Tigers would score, we would hear the loudest Roar come from that room. And some swear words. It wasn't until years later that I realized just how important that day was and it always sticks out in my mind. It makes me love baseball even more.
LINDA KREAGER
February 5, 2020
I am so saddened to hear of Earl's passing. I remember him coming to the restaurant and giving me a hard time! It was all in fun though and we shared many laughs. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Dzioba
February 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss Berkobien family. Love Cheryl and Rex
Debbie & Bob Zielinski
February 5, 2020
A very thoughtful and caring man. He will be missed by many and was an excellent example to others.
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