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David Berkenbile Obituary
Worden - Dr. David Berkenbile passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born on March 16, 1951, in Enid, OK to Leo and Fannie Lucy (Joyce) Berkenbile.
David married his high school sweetheart, Alice Russell, on February 12, 1971. Their love story was one of deep commitment and partnership. Together, they navigated the challenges of life, taking turns supporting each other through university and medical school. In their precious spare time, they raised four sons, instilling in them the values of hard work and deep Christian faith. Alice preceded David in death on February 6, 2016.
In the early years of their marriage, David and Alice were dedicated teachers in the education system, teaching both grade school and high school. They loved their jobs and took great joy in educating young minds. David found immense joy in teaching and carried that passion into his work as a physician. His ability to educate and communicate effectively with his patients was a hallmark of his medical practice, helping them understand their conditions and treatments, which greatly enhanced the care he provided.
Dr. Berkenbile was a dedicated and compassionate physician with practices in Bixby, OK, Kingman, AZ, and Alton, IL. His commitment to his patients and the medical community was evident throughout his career.
He is survived by a host of family and friends, including his three sons and their wives: Dave and Cathy Berkenbile of Edwardsville, IL; Alan and Kim Berkenbile of Worden, IL; and Chris and Cassandra Berkenbile of Spring Hill, TN. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Lily, Vyla, Ava, Nick, Emily, Jackson, Everly, and Adalynn Berkenbile. Additionally, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Freny Berkenbile II of Salt Lake City, UT, and a sister, Judy Waken of Skiatook, OK.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his beloved wife Alice, his youngest son Benjamin Berkenbile, and his two sisters, Nancy Fink and Lucy Berkenbile.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Paynic Home for Funerals in Rosewood Heights. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the same location. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse International Relief, reflecting David's lifelong dedication to helping others. An online guestbook is available for messages of condolence at www.paynicfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Berkenbile
4 Entries
Bryan Leo Berkenbile, DVM
July 13, 2025
Uncle David was a kind, caring, funny man. I remember him teaching me to fish during a family houseboat trip in Arkansas. He is dearly missed but never forgotten. RIP Uncle David
Kat
August 5, 2024
David was a good friend to my husband and myself for years. We never met in this world but confident in meeting again. Although we played video games together, he shared his love of our Lord Jesus Christ. David became one of our first remote members of our church, Gospel Tabernacle in Susanville, California.
In gaming, David used the tag Berky. I´m Gal and my husband Pneuma.
I´m going to miss his infectious lighthearted laugh.
He last said to me that he would be going to heaven and there be with our Lord and reunited with his wife.
To his family, our deepest condolences for your loss.
Kat and Ray
Nona Hohnsbehn
July 23, 2024
I worked with Dr. Berkenbile many years ago at Woodriver Hospital. Always had a smile for both patients and staff. RIP doc.
Pam
July 20, 2024
Prayers to the family and friends. He was an upstanding young man. Enjoyed he and Alice throughout our schools. A classmate from Skiatook. Pam Wilson Childers.
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Paynic Home For Funerals - East Alton/Rosewood Heights618 East Airline Dr, East Alton, IL 62024
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