John Birkeland

John August Birkeland 2/22/22 – 4/27/14
What a ride I’ve had! Hope you have your dancing shoes on Bevie, cuz here I come. I was born in Bergan, Norway and lost both my parents at an early age. I came through Ellis Island when I was 8 and ended up as a foster child in Hettinger, North Dakota along with my 2 sisters, Ragnhild and Karen. Elsie Marie was our caboose, but she died in 1936. We weren’t placed with the same family, but we never lost touch.
I served my country from 1943 – 1946. I was overseas for 16 months in England, France, Germany, Austria, & Belgium, then 20 months in the US. As a result of my service, I was ever so thankful for the wonderful treatment, care, surgeries I received from the VA.
When I returned from the service, I met and married Margaret Ann Vought. She is the mother of my 4 awesome children, JoAnn, Kaye (Dean), Tom and Jdee (Susy). We stayed together for many years, but divorced after 36 years.
I loved spending the precious time I took off work with my kids. We always went on family vacations, I played softball with them in the backyard, golf, tennis, took them fishing (even thought I didn’t really enjoy it). I tried to be the best dad I could and I believe I was. I taught all my kids and even some of the grandkids how to work! They all turned out okay and I’m proud of all of them! Family get-togethers with Margaret’s sister, Evelyn was a fond tradition, especially the game Tripoli!
The fun began when I married the love of my life, Beverly Zimmerman. She and I truly lived! We made many trips to Hawaii, shrimping with my sister and her husband Carl in the northwest, seeing Don & Bob in Tacoma, dancing at PJ’s, our daily drives, trips to Wendover and so much more! I cared for Bev until she died in 2003.
I loved being a full-service grocery man. I worked all over the Salt Lake Valley. In fact, I worked clear into my 70’s because I loved the grocery business, but I also loved playing bridge, bowling with Redeemer Lutheran guys, Tuesday and Saturday’s at PJ’s, gosh, my life was filled with wonderful long-time friends.
One of my fondest memories was my 90th birthday at the VA. So many of the Wolf clan (my nieces and nephews) made the effort to see me while I was alive and enjoy that special day.
I want to thank all the staff and my friends at the VA – you folks were super! I know you’ll miss my orange cowboy hat. What a grand tribute you gave me as I left, what a great memory for my kids.
My children, three step children, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews survive me.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 1st at 12:00 Noon at Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 S. State Street in Sandy with the viewing prior to the service from 11 to 12 at the same location. I’ll be buried at Larkin Sunset Garden, next to my Beverly. Condolences may be sent to www.deseretmortuary.com. Funeral Directors: Deseret Mortuary