fbpx

Douglas Melvin Berkner

Douglas Melvin Berkner age 83, formerly of White Bear Lake, MN passed away August 23, 2022 at The Wealshire of Bloomington in Bloomington, MN.

Douglas was born April 10, 1939 to parents Samuel W. and Mary L. (Murphy) Berkner in Milbank, South Dakota. He attended elementary school in Welcome, Minnesota prior to graduating from Red Wing High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served one successful tour on active duty. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and business administration. He worked as a Data Processor for Land O’Lakes and Lutheran Brotherhood, and instructed inmates at Stillwater prison in computer programming and speech communications.

Douglas married his love Karen Marie Sather on December 6, 1963 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin, Wi. Doug loved soccer! In addition to attending his children’s games, he developed a love for the laws of soccer and he went on to referee, instruct referees, and assess referees for performance level upgrades from beginner to FIFA level candidates. He helped found the USA Cup Soccer Tournament in Blaine, Mn which has become an international event. He was an avid Minnesota Viking fan and had season tickets when they played at the old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. The family also frequented Minnesota Kicks and Strikers soccer games over the years. Doug had a dry and witty sense of humor, always quick with a “dad joke”, poem, or song he made up. His mother and grandmother were pastry chefs, a skill and passion that he carried throughout his life. He was famous for his Irish soda bread.

Douglas is lovingly remembered by daughter, Kerry “KayCee” (Charles) Barrette of Houlton, WI and Alex Barrette of Maplewood, Mn; son, Daniel Berkner of Moscow, Id; brother Stan (Gurtie) Berkner of Lake St. Croix Beach; sister-in-law Karen Berkner of Milford, New Hampshire, Judy Newton of Baldwin, Wi; “adopted” Gillis family of Minnesota and Colorado; and numerous other and friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Karen; childhood siblings Charles and Annette, and brother Thomas.

A Celebration of Life will be Thursday September 8th at 6PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 So. 11th Street in Hudson, Wi. A gathering of friends and family will precede from 4 to 6pm at the funeral home. Private interment with full military honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date.

Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson of Hudson.