Thomas Berkley

THOMAS "TOM" RALPH BERKLEY Tom Berkley, 62, went home to be with Jesus from where he resided at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa on Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Thomas Ralph Berkley was born the son of Thomas L. and Leanna Viola (Pankow) Berkley on July 28, 1948 in Dexter, Iowa. He attended Iowa schools in Cedar Rapids and Lake Mills and graduated in 1966 from Panora High School. He received an associate's degree at DMACC in Des Moines, Iowa. He served four years in the Navy, spending time on the Enterprise and the America. This included three tours of Viet Nam. He also spent five years in the Air National Guard. Tom spent the majority of his career as a alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Due to complicated health problems he became disabled in 1994. Tom was married to Diane Layland Pedersen in Guthrie Center, Iowa on March 16, 1979 The couple made their home near Exira where they have lived since 1985. His interests and hobbies included camping with his wife, fishing and collecting knives, coins and watches. His most valued accomplishment was that he had celebrated 35 years of sobriety. Tom was lots of fun and gifted with a wonderful sense of humor. He so appreciated his Savior's sacrifice and was enthusiastic about Jesus. He is survived by his wife Diane of Exira, Iowa; his daughters Michelle Good and husband Scott of St. Louis, MO and Shannon Berkley of Johnston, IA; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild; his brother Donn Gordon and wife Peggy of Carson City, NV; his sister Nancy Armstrong and husband Jerry of Panora, Iowa; brother Paul Berkley of Harlan, IA; sister-in-law Lodema Berkley of Iowa City, IA; his step daughter Angie Pedersen and partner Heather of St. Paul, MN; his stepson Chris Pedersen and his wife Rosemary of Waukee, IA; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Jim; nephew Britt; and his sister-in-law Connie.Funeral Information There will be open visitation from 8:00 to 5:30 Friday, February 4 and family will meet with friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. that evening at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. The casket will remain in the Roland Funeral Home for viewing until the funeral service on Saturday. Tom's funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. at Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic on Saturday, February 5, 2011. Pastor Don McLean and Pastor Al Seehusen will officiate. The committal, including a military service, will be at 2:00 P.M. in the Brethren Cemetery in Panora, IA. IN REMEMBRANCE OFThomas "Tom&" Ralph BerkleyBorn July 28, 1948 in Dexter, IowaENTERED INTO RESTWednesday, February 2, 2011At the age of 62 years, 6 months and 5 daysFUNERAL SERVICESaturday, February 5, 2011 at Ten-thirty A.M.Evangelical Free Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa OFFICIATING Pastor Don McLeanPastor Al SeehusenEvangelical Free Church ~ Atlantic, IowaMUSICAL SELECTIONS"The Old Rugged Cross"Softly and Tenderly&" "Amazing Grace&" "Give Me Jesus" by Buffy Barrs"I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy MeORGANISTHeidi HinmanPALL BEARERS Donn Gordon Jerry Armstrong Rock Armstrong Paul Berkley Jason Berkley Matt BerkleyHONORARY PALL BEARERSDarrell HayesFrank DargyINTERMENT Brethren Cemetery ~ Panora, IowaMilitary Service by the Color Guard Roland Funeral Home of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Tom's family and arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralhome.com.