Paul Ernest Berkley was born on July 8, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Thomas and LeAnna Berkley. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from Panora-Linden High School with the Class of 1970.
Following graduation, Paul answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1971 to 1977, he served as an Aviation Maintenance Administration Officer. He was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, with deployments aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. Paul took great pride in his military service and carried that sense of honor with him throughout his life.
During his Navy years, Paul married Connie Sue Eastman. Their first daughter, Jennifer, was born while he was serving. After completing his time in the Navy, Paul and Connie returned to Iowa, where they welcomed two more daughters, Erin and Lee. His family was always the joy of his life.
Paul had many passions that enriched his life. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He was a talented guitarist and bass player. As a young man, he played for dances and shared the stage with fellow musicians in local bands. One of the bands he played with won a “Battle of the Bands” contest, and he even performed at the wrap party for the movie Cold Turkey, filmed in Greenfield and other central Iowa communities.
Paul passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and LeAnna Berkley; his wife, Connie; and his two brothers, Tom and Jim Berkley.
He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Joey) Hansen of Harlan, IA, Erin Berkley of Harlan, IA, and Lee Berkley of Harlan, IA; 8 grandchildren, Danielle (Jamie) Meek of Atlantic, IA, Alex (Drake) Nielsen of Bellevue, NE, Paige (Andrew) Boldt of Missouri Valley, IA, Jesse Hansen (currently deployed), Jason Hansen of Harlan, IA, Andrew (Haley) Harbour of Harlan, IA, Katharine Burchett, and Collin Burchett of Harlan, IA; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Nancy (Jerry) Armstrong of Panora, IA, Donn (Peggy) Gordon of Carson City, NV; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
