Euphemia 'Famie' Berkeland — Lake City

Euphemia Berkeland, 88, of Lake City, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013, at the Lake City Care Center.

She was born Sept. 22, 1924, in Hepburn, Iowa, to the Rev. Arthur and Mabel (Matson) Peterson. She grew up in Minnesota and Nebraska. She attended junior college and then Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where she graduated with a degree in history. Later she attended the U of M in Minneapolis and graduated with a major in library sciences. She worked as a librarian in Minneapolis for several years. On Aug. 8, 1952, she married the Rev. Marvin Berkeland in Saronville, Neb. Marvin's work brought moves to Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota. She continued her work as a part-time librarian in several of these locations. Eventually, they found themselves retiring and relocating to Lake City in 1996.

They enjoyed their winters in Arizona. Famie was a member of First Lutheran Church where she participated in choir and WELCA. She enjoyed puzzles, playing pinochle, reading and playing the piano. Visitors were always welcome and found a plentiful supply of coffee and cookies.

She is survived by her four children, Luther (Melinda) Berkeland of Lake City, Marcia (Mark) Oltrogge of Calmar, Iowa, Gerry (Pam Petty) Berkeland of Lakeville, and John Berkeland of Phoenix, Ariz.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one nephew and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin; brother, Lorenz Peterson; and sisters, June Peterson and Eunice Abrahamson.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, with the Rev. Darren Paulson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Brookings, S.D.

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Pipe Organ Fund or the Lake Campbell Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences can be sent at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com .