Berkley M. "Berk" Calkins

Berkley M. "Berk" Calkins, age 69 of Midland, died Wednesday afternoon August 1, 2012 at MidMichigan Medical Center. The son of the late Verlan M. and Dorothy J. (Bavin) Calkins was born in Hillsdale, Michigan on April 29, 1943. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Berk had been employed with The Dow Chemical Co. until retiring in 1992. He then work part time as a school bus driver for Meridian Schools. He enjoyed motorcycles both dirt and road bikes, going to various types of motorcycle races, air shows, and watching softball games. Berk help to establish many new trails across the state. He was a past member of Polka Dots, Valley Trail Riders MC, Buzzard MC and present member, VFW Post 3651 in Midland.

Surviving is his wife of 28 years the former Christine Wetzel whom he married on January 6, 1984 in Midland; Brother, Dennis (Toni) Calkins of Midland; sisters, Connie (Ed) Ralston of Lake Jackson, Texas, Ann (Joe) Rocha of Flower Mound, Texas; mother in law, Shirley Wetzel of Ithaca; brothers in law, Richard, Jerry, Jim (Carol) Wetzel all of Ithaca; nieces and nephews, Amy, Lisa, Jennifer, Ginger, Rachel, Corey, Ryan, Kurt, Sean, Matthew, Travis, and Zachary; many great nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, Shadow. In addition to his parents, Berk was preceded in death by niece, Melissa, nephew, Trevor; father in law, Clifford Wetzel.

A celebration of Berk's life will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday August 4, 2012 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Rev. Jerry Graham of Mt. Haley Church of God of whom Berk formed a special connection with will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army Funeral Honors and the Midland Area Veterans. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials maybe offered to the American Heart Association or the VFW Post 365, Eagle Ridge Church of God. Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com