John C. Berkey

John C. Berkey

John Berkey Obituary

Published by Huber Funeral Home - Excelsior Chapel from May 1 to May 11, 2008.
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.

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April 25, 2021

James Krieger posted to the memorial.

April 25, 2019

Jim Krieger posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2008

Brent & Marianne Miller posted to the memorial.

James Krieger

April 25, 2021

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.

Jim Krieger

April 25, 2019

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.

Brent & Marianne Miller

May 11, 2008

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,

Dick Mersky

May 11, 2008

Hello Brian,
I am very sorry to hear of your fathers passing and extend my condolences to you and your family.

nancy coleman

May 9, 2008

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

Cathie O'Rourke

May 6, 2008

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.

Hugh Thorson

May 5, 2008

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

Charles Illg

May 5, 2008

I will miss you, my dear uncle.

marquitta mccray

May 5, 2008

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.

Tim Heiland

May 4, 2008

As a young man I have fond memories at the Berkey household, we built a ski jump in the back yard and had a blast jumping over the swimming pool. Mr. Berkey always welcomed us and let us have our fun in the 80's.

Hey Johnny and Brian, I'm sorry to hear about your Dad passing away. I have alot of good memories with you guys and your family from the past and want to express my condolences in this difficult time to all of your family.

Sincerely,

Tim Heiland

Jennifer Pauly

May 4, 2008

We are sorry for your loss.

Ron, Clarice, and Jennifer Pauly (friends of Brian's)

A Friend of BW

May 2, 2008

John may well be the most amazingly talented person I will ever have the honor of knowing, but it is his gentle soul and his sincere friendship I will cherish. I am truly grateful for the time we spent together. My deepest sympathies to Demi and the boys, and to all of John's family and friends. John gave a great deal to the world, and especially to those fortunate enough to know him.

Guy & Pat Grafius

May 1, 2008

Dear Demi,
John was such an unique person and you made a perfect team. So many will miss his talent and stories and ready smile. Our thoughts and love are with you all.
Guy & Pat Grafius

Marsha Iwan

May 1, 2008

Dear Demi and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. John's grace, strength, and spirit were an inspiration to me and all those who were honored to call him friend. I will miss him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Marsha

Sue Borm-Kloster

May 1, 2008

Dear Demi and Kids-

I will hold many fond and hilarious memories of John's talents and humor.

God Bless- Sue

Jerry Elliott

May 1, 2008

Dear Demi & Family,

Nancy and I are so sorry for your loss. John was one of the most thoughtful and caring people I have ever known. He was of great comfort to both of us in a time of great sadness and loss. But most of all he was a great friend with a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him.

Deb & Dick Pritchard

May 1, 2008

Dear Demi & Family,
Please know that Dick & I are thinking of all of you. We so enjoyed knowing John & seeing him interact with Connor & Ava. He will be missed as a friend & Grandpa.
Warmly, Deb & Dick

Jim Krieger

May 1, 2008

John was a great friend who graciously not only taught me about the value of great art and how to appreciate it, but also about the challenges of life and how to hurdle over those or simply pass them by. He'll be missed by adoring friends and an admiring public.

Susan Waack

May 1, 2008

Demi and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was such an influence to me, and to our whole group. I'll miss him very much.

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April 25, 2021

James Krieger posted to the memorial.

April 25, 2019

Jim Krieger posted to the memorial.

May 11, 2008

Brent & Marianne Miller posted to the memorial.