Alvoretta Berkemann

Alvoretta Berkemann, daughter of John William Hunt and Eliza Ellen Sedars, was born June 4, 1914 in DeSoto, Iowa, and died Monday, August 17, 2009 at Perry Health Care Canter, Perry, Iowa, at the age of 95 years, 9 months and 27 days. Alvoretta lived on her parents' farm and attended school at DeSoto. Her family moved and she spent her senior year in Adel, graduating from there. On May 4, 1938, she married Fred Berkemann in Des Moines, Iowa. They were parents of three children, daughter Mary Evelyn who died at birth, and sons Paul and David. Alvoretta was a farmer's wife as she and Fred lived on farms in this area for many years. Fred died in 1967 and Alvoretta remained on the farm until five years ago when she chose to move to the Rowley Masonic apartments. Alvoretta was the Activity Director at the Perry Manor for 19 years. She was honored for her years of dedication there with a plaque and creation of a courtyard in her name. Her church, First Christian Church in Perry, was a large part of her life. She had served as a teacher and superintendent and was active in Christian Women's Fellowship and Searchers Sunday School Class. She enjoyed her years spent working with Loren Lair where she was active in the structure of the church and Vacation Bible School, locally and on a state level. Alvoretta spent many years in the Order of Eastern Star where she had been Worthy Matron and held all Star Points or offices except Secretary-Treasurer. She had been active with Girls 4-H and Perry Women's Club. In addition to her husband Fred and infant daughter Mary Evelyn, Alvoretta was preceded in death by her parents; brother Henry Ervin Hunt; nine sisters Grace Hunt Grove; Alta Hunt Devore; Stella Hunt Conley; Lenore Hunt Westerbeck; Beatrice Hunt Buchanan; Anna Hunt; Mary Henze Johnson; and Ollie Henze Kauffman.Alvoretta is survived by her sons: Paul Berkemann of Norwalk, Iowa; David Berkemann (Betty) of Des Moines, Iowa; four grandchildren: Paula Cordes (Rick) of Des Moines, Iowa; Susan Rainbolt and friend Brent Tucker of Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Kenna Longstreath (Brian) of Waynesville, Ohio; and Kelly Sheldon (Mike) of Norwalk; 5 great grandchildren: Rachel and Beth Rainbolt; Keith Longstreath; Stevie Wallace; Owen Longstreath; 2 great-great grandchildren: Stevan and Star; sister Ethel Dixon of Jacksonville, Florida; cousins; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends