Donald Berke

Donald R. Berke passed away on June 9, 2024, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, IA after a more than 2-year battle with cancer.

Donald was born September 8, 1950, in Sioux City, IA and adopted by Richard and Regina Berke, the only parents he has known.

Donald attended Sunnyside and Hayworth, and graduated in the class of ‘68 from East High School in Sioux City, IA.  While attending East High School in 1966, he met Deborah M. Hultquist, who would become his wife in 1969, and they were together when he departed.

He worked at many companies in Sioux City over the years, the last being the City of Sioux City Water Treatment Plant, when he retired in 2012, and moved to his lake house in Wahpeton, IA at West Lake Okoboji. 

He enjoyed life in the many things he like to do such as hunting, fishing (especially in the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, AL where he wintered for several years), golfing, shooting pistols at the gun range in Fostoria, IA, home improvement and his Plymouths and he was good at everything he did, until the cancer robbed him from his enjoyment of those hobbies.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Deborah M. Berke, of nearly 55 years, his sister Helen Gilliam of Arizona, and many good friends he spent time with over the years.

Those that went before him were his parents, Richard and Regina Berke, brother Ken Berke and numerous good friends, just to name a few: Jerry, Jim, Bob L. Burt, Doyle, Grandpa, Earl, and a few dogs in there too.  They are all there to greet him where he is free of pain now.  I will love you forever . . . until we are together again.

Per his wishes he will be cremated under the direction of Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Milford, IA.  No formal services will be held.