Berl E. Damkroger Obituary (1927 - 2012)

Berl E. Damkroger, 85 years of age, of Lincoln, formerly of DeWitt and Beatrice passed away at his home Tuesday morning, September 4, 2012. He was born on June 7, 1927 at DeWitt, Neb. to Edwin and Alma (Koenig) Damkroger. He attended Happy Hollow District 149 grade school. Upon graduation from DeWitt High School he attended the University of Nebraska for one year before enlisting in the United States Navy. After his tour of duty, he returned to UNL to finish his degree in Agriculture. Berl and Viola Mae Vosika were married June 5, 1949 in at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE. Berl and Viola began their married life in O'Neill, Neb. Berl served as a Veteran Agriculture Instructor for two years before returning to rural DeWitt and farming. He also served as a Rural Mail Carrier and a radio sportscaster for KWBE before retiring in 1988. Following retirement, he and his wife moved to Beatrice, but also spent summers and winters in Angel Fire, N.M., and South Padre Island, Texas, respectively. Berl's life was filled with activities. He served as a member or officer for several church, school and social boards, including the American Legion, in DeWitt, the Chapel by the Sea Board of directors, in South Padre Island, the Beatrice Country Club, the Brownsville (Texas) Golf Center, and St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice. Competing and winning in Senior Games track events was a joy for him. He was especially proud to place 2nd in discus at the Australian National Senior Games in Brisbane. Berl enjoyed talking with people from all over the world, and was recognized as KOJPP by his Ham Radio Associates. Closer to home, he valued the lifetime friendships of his FarmHouse Fraternity brothers. Golfing, fishing, dancing, and traveling were also activities that he pursued, but long distance biking--across states and countries--was a favorite retirement activity. To hear him say it, however, he enjoyed playing a Dominoes game called "chicken foot" with his grandchildren most of all. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his children Teresa Miller and husband Pastor Tom Miller, Omaha, Neb., Gail Mencini and husband Dr. Ray Mencini, of Denver, Colo., Dr. Brian Damkroger and wife Patricia Damkroger, Livermore, Calif., and Coral Cavanagh and husband Terence Cavanagh of Sacramento, Calif.; brother Leo Damkroger of Green Valley, Ariz.; and 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; his parents; his stepmother, Esther Damkroger; and his sister-in-law, Lois Damkroger. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2012 in the chapel at St. John Lutheran Church with Reverend Dr. Delmar Wiemers officiating. Inurnmet of ashes will be at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, R. Clatonia. There will be no viewing or visitation. A memorial has been established to the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with the funeral home in charge. Sign Berl's guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services are entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.