Art and Johanna Berkenes celebrate 72 years together

On December 30, longtime Wright County residents Art and Johanna Berkenes celebrated their 72nd anniversary. Seventy-two years together is an impressive amount by any standard, but for the Berkenes, it’s hard to believe that much time has gone by. “When you say a number like that it sounds lots longer than it seems,” Johanna said.

Art was born near Kinsman, Illinois in 1922, then moved to rural Clarion when he was 3 years old. Johanna was born in 1926 and lived south of Kanawha. She attended the high school there, and Art went to Clarion High School. They didn’t meet until Art had already graduated and Johanna was a junior in high school. “We met at the skating rink,” she said, referring to the rink that used to be on the west side of Lake Cornelia.

About two years later, they were married. Johanna was 18 and Art was 21.

Both grew up on farms, and farming is how they started their life together north of Clarion. Art was deferred from service in World War II for farm work, and they started with livestock and eventually moved to straight grain farming.

“Growing up on the farm, it’s a laid back and quiet area,” Art said.

“I think one of the main reasons we always liked it is it’s such a great place to raise a family,” Johanna added.

For the full story, see the January 5 edition of the Monitor.