Kristine 'Kris' Van Berkum

On April 3, 1959, Kristine Anne Van Berkum was welcomed into the loving home of her parents, Paul and Helen Mefferd, one brother, and five sisters. Since Kris arrived nearly ten years after the last sibling, she was totally adored. Kris was always helpful, kind and appreciative when growing up, and those traits continued into her adult life. If anyone needed a helping hand, a listening ear, a pat on the back, something to eat, a bed to sleep in, a bottle of pop, a pep talk, an understanding point of view, a place to hang out, or a reality check, Kris was the person you could count on to be there for you. Kris loved Spencer, her adopted home, after leaving her hometown of Laurens. She was a person who immersed herself in Spencer's innumerable causes through board positions and volunteering. She believed in being a part of the community by using her time and talents to promote, challenge, and continue Spencer's charm. Spencer was never far from Kris' heart-she was energized by the many friends she had made both personally and professionally. There was not much Kris could not accomplish if she set her mind to it. She had everything it takes to be an exceptional leader. She took on each responsibility with enthusiasm and common sense and never a complaint. The Spencer community returned their appreciation with their support and love for Kris and her family during her most difficult times, and for that she was forever grateful. Kris accepted each challenge life handed her with courage, faith, and action. She was husband Dan's devoted helpmate and social director, and her children Sarah and Sam's Superwoman mom. Kris disciplined, inspired, and challenged Sarah and Sam. She was a hands-on mother, never dismissing her motherly responsibilities. Kris and Dan were a team living on Breezy Meadow Lane with a 'welcome' open door policy for Sarah's and Sam's many friends. Their Okoboji cabin was the West Lake Okoboji Grand Central Station where friends gathered to have fun, and where Kris always had a refrigerator and kitchen full of goodies. Kris had many very good friends who appreciated the very essence of who she was, and she felt the same about them. These friendships encompassed people from her childhood into adult life-true, loyal and so dedicated. Since Kris was much younger than her siblings, she was very close to many of her nieces and nephews. She had slumber parties for them, played and conspired with them. Of the many capabilities Kris possessed, her favorite was numbers. She loved working with numbers; thus, being a businesswoman and owning a business seemed so perfect. She had a unique ability to work with people by using her deep respect for the human experience to treat everyone with kindness and fairness. She expressed cheerful greetings, happy smiles, and a great sense of humor to make any day worthwhile. Kris was very much like her parents-always doing, making, and enjoying life to the fullest. She was one for not waiting, but starting; not regretting, but participating. Kris accomplished much in her 57 years. She leaves a wonderful legacy of an amazing woman. Kris was a light-bright, shining and never without energy. She was always 'on' to lead or participate in her community, her professional life, or her family obligations. She was never reluctant to say 'yes' to whatever was asked of her. Kris's illumination was evident with her friendliness, her compassion, her work ethic, her strength, her courage, and her love. She will be so missed-we were so blessed. The silence is so definite. The memories so vivid. The gift so loved. The light still shines... Survived by Devoted Husband ~ Dan Van Berkum (Married September 20, 1986) Beloved Daughter ~ Sarah Kristine (January 20, 1994) Beloved Son ~ Samuel T. (April 21, 1996) Siblings Patricia (Ken) Boughey of Laurens Tom (Bonnie) Mefferd of Mt. Pleasant, SC Linda (Loren) Gustafson of Spirit Lake Paulette (Eduardo) Reveiz of Des Moines Kathleen (John) Hinn of Spirit Lake Margaret (Larry) Beckman of Council Bluffs Hasan (Zohreh) Al-Hasawi, Kuwaiti brother of Kuwait City Family Mother-in-law ~ Ruth (Allen) Hansen of Spencer Brother-in-law ~ Paul 'Doc' Van Berkum of Spencer Sister-in-law ~ Beth (Dan) Van Hove of Worthington, MN Sister-in-law ~ Dawn (Ivan) Crane of Spencer 27 loving nieces and nephews, 44 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great niece Preceded in death by Parents ~ Paul and Helen (Frykberg) Mefferd Father-in-law ~ Wilmer Van Berkum Involvements/Recognition: Co-chair Spencer Flagfest Committee Spencer Chamber of Commerce Trinity Daycare and Preschool Board Spencer Family YMCA Board 1st female member of the Spencer Rotary Club Charter member of the Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation Annual Campaign Chair for Spencer Regional Healthcare Foundation Festival of Trees Committee Chair YMCA Endowment Committee Advisory committee for funding Clay County Regional Event's Center Co-chair for Spencer Middle School bond issue 2001 Spencer Citizen of the Year Spencer Hospital Board (12 years) Shayla Bee Foundation Co-chair Friends of the Park Bond Drive Bone Marrow Donor Match Drive Co-Chair Chair of the American Heart Association Board Task force for Iowa Lakes Community College curriculum Alpha Mu Sorority 1993 Campaign Volunteer of the Year Award (AHA, Iowa Lakes Territory) Buena Vista University President's Advisory Council Loose Change Investment Club 2001 Jack Wedel Volunteer Award

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