William "Bill" Berkland
January 17, 1940 - June 2, 2011

"I so enjoyed working with Bill during my college years, 1976-1980. We were in Morrill Hall on the ISU campus, and he was a kind, kind boss. I am sorry for your loss, Melva and Ross."

"I remember Bill as the cousin who always had a big smile when I saw him. Our families used to spend much time together when we were growing up on our farms near Depew. "

"Melva -- So sorry to hear of Bill's death. Our paths crossed for many years at Iowa State. He will be missed. "

"Melva and family, I was so sad to hear about Bill's passing away. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. "

"Ross, your dad was a terrific man. It was an honor to have known him."

"To the Family of Bill Berkland For many years I have not seen or talked to Bill very much. As a youngster I did see him often at church, and when I started going to the Cylinder School, I saw him more often. The last several years I saw him at a few Family Reunions. Bill was my second cousin and one year older then me. I will always remember how studious he was. I remember in high school that he would often read encyclopedias and dictionaries during study halls. I really didn't know that he had Alzheimers Disease. My sympathy and prayers are with you at this difficult time. "

"To the Family of Bill Berkland For many years I have not seen or talked to Bill very much. As a youngster I did see him often at church, and when I started going to the Cylinder School, I saw him more often. The last several years I saw him at a few Family Reunions. Bill was my second cousin and one year older then me. I will always remember how studious he was. I remember in high school that he would often read encyclopedias and dictionaries during study halls. I really didn't know that he had Alzheimers Disease. My sympathy and prayers are with you at this difficult time. "

"Was sorry to hear of Bills passing, but he is in a better place now. I remember all the good times our children had with Ruebens family growing up. Spent a lot of sunday afernoons at his house those long years ago. /would like to have come to his celebration of life but to far. He did such a great job on the Berkland history and I refer to it many times. Thinking of you and you take care. "

"�??Dear Melva, Ross, and Berkland siblings, I was so sad to hear abut Bill�??s death and that I can�??t come from Idaho to share his memorial service with you. Please know I�??ll be there at Bethesda with you in spirit. It feels nice to know that you will celebrate his life in that beautiful church where Doug and I were members for 5 years. It has such an incredible caring spirit and a good amount of love and respect for Norwegians! Since Bill loved our heritage, I feel at peace that the Lutherans there will honor that part of his life. I can just see him helping with the Lefse for the Scandinavian Tea which we enjoyed so much in our time there. I am sure Bill loved that part of Bethesda. I, too, feel the loss with you all. It feels like our Berkland Historian and Photographer is lost. What a wonderful contribution he made to our family heritage with his work and organizing the Berkland 2000 reunion. That reunion was a powerful connection with all our roots. We brought Stella Oleson to one of the reunions and enjoyed Richard & Lillian Oleson & family there so much. Their daughter, Richelle, said it best.,�?�It�??s the first time I�??ve been comfortable with my cheeks�?�, Really it was wonderful to meet and greet there and feel our commonalities in family; and faith. Personally, I appreciated so much that as a college student at ISU, Bill & Melva used to regularly take me to Tony�??s Little Italy for pizza on Sunday nights when there was no meal at the residence hall. Being a poor college student, that pizza tasted so-o-o-o good and the conversation always felt like a piece of home. When we lived in Ames later, while Doug was getting his PhD, Bill and Melva were my go to resource for everything from churches to 4-H to recipes to car mechanics. I warmly remember that wonderful feeling of someone I could trust without question!! Berkland siblings, now know you feel the loss of a sibling. It surprised me that it felt like losing an appendage. I can only say, God Speed to Bill and know that we will meet again on the other side of heaven. Perhaps it will be like a grand family reunion where we will all laugh and talk and worship and come to understand God�??s plan in a new way. My Love to all of You, Diana (Berkland) Pals and also Doug "

"Peace, prayers and blessings across the miles. I deeply appreciate Bill's great leadership and caring in my 4-H club. Dave Shaver (AHS class of 1984; now living in Frisco, TX)"

"Sincere sympathy Melva,Ross and the Berkland siblings, We met Bill only a few times but his humor was contagious. Repeated sympathy to all. "

"My Sunday ritual is reading the Quad-City Times and the Sunday Des Moines Register. When I got to the Metro&Iowa section, I saw your husband's obituary. I wasn't aware he had Alzheimer disease. I'm so sorry for your loss. Bill sounds like he was a wonderful man. Keep the good memories close to your heart. Thinking of you."

"Melva and Ross, I am praying for you and your family and friends. It was a delight to see Bill and Melva at various musical performances of mine and my sister's. It was such a blessing to know Bill's warm spirit and to have him in the family. He will be missed, but I know he is with the Father now."

"Dear Melva and Ross -- Bill was such a delight to work with at Iowa Extension Communications back in the 1980s. I always will remember his commitment to excellent, his passion for Extension programming, especailly for youth, and his fun-loving spirit. As a young professional, he was so helpful and supportive of me, always looking out for my best interest and helping to create an environment for us to succeed together. I am blessed our families have stayed connected all these years through Christmas letters and other means. Bill was an amazing man and will be missed by many, especially the two of you. Rick and I wish you strength during these difficult days, peace beyond understanding, and God's gentle hand to lead your path forward. "

"We will miss Bill's kind and gentle spirit and all the great times we shared. We will never forget his and Melva's wonderful support they gave to our family for so many special events. They travelled many miles to be there for us at Betsy and Susie's talent competitions and performances-- all the way to Corpus Christi, TX; Houston; Miss Indiana week in Zionsville, Las Vegas for Miss America, Bloomington, IN for recitals and performances;Austin, TX; Des Moines Opera; and many more. Your love of the arts and faithful support meant so much to all us. We will cherish the visits that we had with you and all of our common interests we shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with Melva and Ross. We will never forget you and how you touched our lives."

"Ross, your dad was such a grand fellow! What a role model for you. Sending warm thoughts and prayers to your mom and yourself...Jacki-O/Gregory Stetten..I will never forget the time on the fahootched bus!!! great memory. Your dad was truly a gentleman!! I will miss him!"

"What a special man-- quiet-- but always with a twinkle in his eye and a BIG smile-- now on to his next journey-- you will be missed........"