Ardine Orle Berkvam, a life long resident of the Clarkfield, Minnesota area and local businessman for 36 years, died peacefully at his home on Monday, September 11, 1989, at the age of 78. He was born on the farm of his parents Otilia Haukos and Olander Berkvam, in Hazel Run Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, on January 21, 1911. Ardine was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church, Stony Run Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. He was united in marriage to Alethe Grinager on April 29, 1936, by Rev. J.E.H. Akre. To this union one son, Ardine, Jr. was born. He attended Clarkfield High School, graduating in 1929 after being a member of some of Clarkfield's finest football teams of that era. His interest in athletics continued throughout his life as a spectator, watching his son and most recently his grandson, Andrew, in their athletic contests. He believed very strongly in the value of athletics in a person's life and was also a strong supporter of the Clarkfield School system over the years. During WWII he was trained as a member of the tank corps and was on a ship in the Pacific headed for the Invasion of Japan when the first atomic bomb was dropped. He spent, his last months of service in the Phillipine Islands, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before being discharged in 1946. Ardine served on the local school board and on a number of civic and church groups including the Fire Department, American Legion, Church and Valhalla building committees, and even helped out as a football coach during WWII. His work at the store didn't prevent him from attending high school, college, or professional sports events on a regular basis. Ardine is survived by his wife, Alethe of Clarkfield; son, Ardine. Jr. and his wife Susan of Bloomington, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Amy, Andrew, Kristi and Jill; and one brother, Lloyd of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Preceding Ardine in death were his parents and one brother, Orville. Funeral Service: Friday, September 15, 1989, 10:00 a.m., Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating: Gordon A. Trelstad Organist: Karen Donner Soloist: Les Mikelson "Den Store Hvide Flok" "How Great Thou Art" Congregational Hymns: "My Faith Looks Up To Thee" "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" Honorary Casket Bearers: Erling Hauge, Arthur Lee Richard Indegard, Al Lucas Marvin Koenen, Edgar Lynner Casket Bearers: Mark Berkvam, Ronald Molstad Michael Berkvam, Thomas Peterson Gifford Grinager, Arvid Risa Arvid Melbostad, Michael Risa Military Rites: American Legion J. Ben Johnson Post #169 Clarkfield, Minnesota Final Resting Place: Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Upright and faithful in all his ways, A wonderful character to the end of his days, A loving father and grandfather, true and kind. What a wonderful memory he leaves behind! Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota