Robert Berkner

Robert (Bob, RJ) was born May 18, 1932 in Rochester, Minnesota to R.F. and Cecilia (Madden) Berkner. He was raised in Mahnomen, MN, where he attended St. Michael’s Catholic School and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1950. Bob entered into the Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed at Camp Yokihama where he trained firefighters. Bob attended St. John’s University for a time and later completed his B.S. degree in Agri-Business at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul. He was united in marriage to Donna Mae Lammers on October 4, 1958 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema, MN. Bob & Donna moved several times as Bob climbed the corporate ladder. Corporate life left an emptiness because he truly enjoyed serving his customers personally. They eventually moved to Mahnomen, MN, where Bob took over the family feed mill business. Bob & Donna moved to Billings, MT, in 1985 and fell in love with the area. They opened Mintana Mills and Bob lived his passion for feed milling until he died. He truly enjoyed his life’s work, his staff, customers and professional relationships. Bob’s devotion to faith, family and friends was evident in the way he lived his life. He often talked about his love for family and country. He has left us with a treasure of memories and will be deeply missed. God Bless Bob Berkner and the legacy he leaves behind. Bob is survived by Donna, his beloved wife of 51 years; 3 daughters: Deb Carroll and her daughter Andrea; Kathy Beck and her daughters Natalie (Kurt Easterday) and Trina; and Pat (Mark) Kittock and children Phil and Claire; brothers, George Berkner; Maureen Berkner and children Mike, Kristin, Paul and Robert; Jim (Sharon) Berkner and children Karen, Mark, Laura and Maureen; Tom (Mary) Berkner and children Carol, John, Marylyn and Jason; sisters, Margaret “Mardi” Berkner; Marian (Frank) Verlot and children Nancy and Susanne; brothers-in-law Dennis (Carolyn) Coyle and son Eric; Miles (Marilynn) Coyle and children Stacy and Tony; sister-in-law Ellen (Gordon)Ramstad; nephews Jeff and Brad Backen, and Donna’s many relatives. Bob was preceded in death and greeted by his parents, Donna’s parents and Marvin Coyle, son-in-law Gary Carroll, grandson Craig Carroll, and sister and brother-in-law Bev and Ron Backen. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 2 pm at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema, MN. Interment was at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Ogema, MN. Memorials may be given to St. Vincent DePaul, 2610 Minnesota Ave.,Billings, MT 59101, LaVie (crisis pregnancy center) 2321 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102, or charity of one's choice.

Robert Berkner

May 18, 1932 - April 13, 2010