George William Berkstresser, 85, passed away on January 31, 2014 at the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.
George was born on November 28, 1928 in Sioux City IA to Dr. C. F. Berkstresser and Julia Johnson Berkstresser. George graduated from Morningside College in Sioux City IA and spent one year at Iowa University before joining the US Army where he was stationed at Camp Detrick in Maryland. After his service with the US Army George returned to Sioux City. During the years in Sioux City, he developed his life long love of trains and railroads. He was also employed as a purchasing agent for the Methodist Hospital. During this employment he met his second love, a student nurse, Alta Clausen, from Genoa, Nebraska. Just as Alta was graduating from her nursing education the two were married on August 13, 1955. To this union were born their three children Mark Berkstresser, Cheryl Berkstresser Wells and Charles Berkstresser.
His interest in science grew and he enjoyed discussing various areas of scientific knowledge. After a few years of exploring the medical positions, George finally, listened to family and friends who said he seemed to be a "born teacher." He decided to answer that call when being told that Culbertson, Nebraska school board was searching for a high school science teacher. He started that year, on an emergency certificate and began taking teaching courses at the University of Northern Colorado. He later earned his masters in education from the University of Northern Colorado. His teaching career spanned 29 years. In 1964 he started teaching science at Sargent High School. He retired from teaching in 1970. After retiring, he continued with his interests in railroading, travel, science and spending time with family.
George is survived by his wife Alta Berkstresser, children Mark Berkstresser and his wife Tina Berkstresser, Cheryl Berkstresser Wells her husband John Wells and their children Brian Wells and Kristen Wells, Charles Berkstresser and his partner Fernando Guerrero. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jean Berkstresser. George and the family has chosen cremation, so there will be no memorial service at this time. There will be a celebration of George's life, combined with the 80th birthday celebration for his wife, Alta, on April 19th at Sargent Community Church. It will be an open house from 1 to 5 PM on the Saturday before Easter. The whole family plans to be home for this event. A memorial fund is being set up at Beaver Creek Christian Camp for the Berkstresser Lodge in South Fork Colorado. Donations can be sent to: Don Henderson, Treasurer, Beaver Creek Christian Youth Camp 522 W CR 6 N Monte Vista, CO 81144 or to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of George William Berkstresser, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.