Charles Floyd Berkstresser Jr.

Charles F. "Chuck" Berkstresser died at Eskaton Village Care Center, Carmichael, on September 22, 2017, surrounded by his four daughters. He was predeceased by his parents, Julia (Johnson) and Dr. Charles F. Berkstresser, sister Jean Berkstresser, brother George Berkstresser, and wife Beverly (nee Caldwell) after 59 years of marriage. Chuck was born on April 5, 1923 in Sioux City, Iowa. He participated in Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts, built model airplanes, and loved music, playing the trumpet. He served as a page in the 1941 Iowa State legislature, an experience that developed his skepticism of politicians and lobbyists. After a subsequent summer as an aide with the Iowa Highway Department, he enrolled at Morningside College. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps and entered active duty on March 25, 1943. Chuck served in Europe with the 276 Engineer Combat Unit, and was awarded battle stars for The Battle of the Bulge, the Rhein, and Germany. He was discharged in Marburg, Germany, accepting a 6-month civilian job with the Army, working for the Armed Forces Radio Service, AFN-Frankfurt as a recording engineer, and playing in a dance band. Upon return to the U.S. in July 1946, he enrolled in Chemistry at Iowa University, where he met his future wife, who happened to be his laboratory instructor. The chemistry succeeded and they were married August 28, 1947. His academic performance at Iowa U was less than stellar, so he returned to Morningside College and later graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Physical Science. Returning to Iowa U., he studied Geology, but the U.S. Geological Survey hired him in 1952 before he was able to complete his masters. Transfers took Chuck and his growing family to Sacramento, New Mexico, and Wisconsin, before returning to Sacramento in 1961. After retiring from the Survey in 1973, he taught Geography for Los Rios Community College and Sierra College, as well as a short stint at Sacramento State. Concurrently, he was enrolled at Sac State, where he earned an M.A. in Geography, minor in Geology. Chuck qualified as a Registered Geologist with the State of California and worked as a consulting geologist for several companies. In retirement, Chuck and Bev sailed on Clear Lake, traveled, and enjoyed their daughters and grandchildren. Chuck was an unforgettable character. He enjoyed a good pun, political humor, and shared his wide-ranging knowledge and interests with others. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music, and loved live theater, frequently attending plays throughout Sacramento. One of the highlights of his life was attending as many Broadway shows as he could manage while he was stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He will be missed by his four daughters, Jean Miller, Ann Guadagni (Ray), Julie Baggett (Carl), and Laura Floyd (Ted) as well as 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The family extends our gratitude to the staff of Eskaton Village Care Center for the exceptional care they provided to Chuck. A memorial service will be held Nov. 12, 2017 at 1:30p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento, 2425 Sierra Blvd. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Heritage Fund of UUSS.