Ron D. Berckhan

Ronald “Ron” D. Berckhan, 86, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Sunday, June 26, 2021, at Friendship Haven. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1111 5th Avenue North, with Rev. Sara Hill officiating. Services will be live streamed via the Historic Bruce Funeral Home Facebook page. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the church service. Interment will take place at the International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Brooklyn, IA on Friday, July 2, 2021, at 11:00 AM. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Ronald was born November 19, 1934, in Brooklyn, the son of Ira D. and Zillah (Dalbey) Berckhan. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1953, and continued his education at Iowa State College in Ames, IA, earning his BS in 1957. On February 22, 1958, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on August 21, 1958. He then served in the Army Reserve until 1963. Ron was united in marriage to Mary W. Wakeley on August 24, 1958, at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames. Ron was a teacher for the Fort Dodge School System for 34 years, until his retirement in 1993. He was an early adopter of computers and had the first model from Apple. He also developed a program for posting school grades. Ron enjoyed wood carving, watching Westerns, and a good cup of coffee. Ron was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club and editor of their newsletter. He was also a member of the Fort Dodge Wood Carvers Club.

Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years: Mary Berckhan of Fort Dodge; 2 daughters: Linda Glaman and husband Mark of Kennewick, WA, and Kelly Grooms and husband Alan of Oregon, WI; and 2 grandchildren: Marissa Grooms and Nathan Grooms. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Keith Berckhan and Delmar Berckhan; and a sister in infancy: Helen Berckhan.