Visitation for Clifford Van Berkum wil be held at the Swea City Community Church , Swea City, Iowa from Noon -2PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026.Memorial Service will follow at the Swea City Community Church, Swea City, Iowa at 2:00 PM, Saturday, October 17, 2026 with Nancy Sinclair officiating.At Rest will be held at the Harrison Township Cemetery, Swea City, Iowa.Military Honors will be given by the Swea City Legion Post #14, Swea City, Iowa.Clifford Van Berkum was born in Rock Valley, Iowa on January 31, 1932 to Luke and Tilda (Remmerde) Van Berkum. He passed away on October 4, 2026 at Valley Vue Care Center in Armstrong at the age of 94.Cliff graduated from Rock Valley High School and continued his education at Northwestern College in Orange City. He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in Agriculture Education from Iowa State University. On June 12, 1953 he was united in marriage to Phyllis De Jager in Rock Valley. In 1956, Cliff began his 38 year career as the Vocational Ag Teacher in the Swea City School District. During his time there he held various positions and offices on numerous boards and associations. Most notably he held an office position for IVATA for 5 years, and was a member of that as well as IVA, AVA, and NVATA for 33 years. Cliff led his students to excel in school and for future life. While he was the advisor of the FFA Chapter, the club won the Superior National FFA Chapter award 23 years, and 39 of his students won the Iowa Farmers and one student won the American Farmer Award. Along with teaching VoAg he also umpired football, basketball, baseball, and softball for 15 years, scored basketball games for 24 years, and was the voice of Swea City Football games for 23 years.Cliff was not only active in activities around the school, he also had many endeavors in the community. He was on the committee for the Community Chest and was on the Town Council. He taught snowmobile, tractor, machinery, wildlife, and gun safety. He was on the Kossuth-Winnebago Pageant Board and was master of ceremonies of that event for 24 years. Cliff was a member of the United Methodist Church in Swea City. He taught Sunday school and confirmation classes, was a lay minister, and was a member of the church choir. Cliff shared his singing voice with many people in the area; singing at numerous weddings and funerals, and as a member of a couple barbershop groups.Although Cliff kept busy with school and community events, he still found time for fun with his family. They enjoyed a yearly fishing trip to Canada. Most recently Cliff was stated to be the oldest person to make the float plane to their remote fishing destination. He enjoyed hunting and golfing. He also had a large garden that he shared his produce with his family and friends.Cliff is survived by his sons Bruce (Mary) Van Berkum of Onalaska, WI and Todd (Julie) Van Berkum of La Crescent, MN; his son-in-law Jim Hull of St. Joseph, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ryan Van Berkum, Brian Hull, Tyler (Lexi) Van Berkum, and Kaetlin Van Berkum (James) Lovell. He is also survived by his siblings Lois Rensink and David (Marley) Van Berkum; and brothers-in-law Billy Garrettson and Andrew (Barb) De Jager.Cliff is preceded in death by his wife; his parents, his in-laws Andrew and Marie De Jager, his son Dennis, daughter Laura Hull, and his brothers Russell and Harold Van Berkum.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com. Henry-Olson Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
