Pete Berghuis

Pete Berghuis was born September 26, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois as the only child of Herman and Ethel (Biltgen) Berghuis. He passed away on September 30, 2011 in his home of Eckley, Colorado.At the age of 17 he was influenced, by his uncle Ben, to enlist in the United States Navy. His Naval Career included receiving the Navy Achievement Medal in 1972 for professional achievement from March, 1969 to October, 1971. Pete’s naval career was written in his own words:“In October of 1956 I joined the Navy. In January of ‘57 I met Delbert Zwirn while in transit to Hawaii to meet the USS Hector AR-7. While on board my first job was side cleaner, then crane operator. I was transferred to the supply department; my first assignment was working in the laundry, then soda fountain. The Hector visited Hawaii, Japan and Hong Kong.In March of ‘62 I received orders to Adak, Alaska. First job on the island was dog catcher. I was promoted to E-4 and was operating an outlet store. In May of’63 I received orders to USS Valley Forge LPH-8. While on board I worked in the supply office and was in charge of three stores in addition to the barber shop and laundry. While on board I was promoted to E-5. Valley Forge visited Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.In May of ‘67 I received orders to the Commissary Store in San Diego; first in the warehouse driving a fork lift. From there I was transferred to sales floor working for Chief Kolaz—we had eighty- five civilians working for us. I was promoted to E-6.In March of’69 I received orders to USS Bausell DD-845. While on board I worked in the supply office and was in charge of the ships store, laundry, and barber shop. I was promoted to ChiefE-7.In January of ‘72 I received orders to Naval Training Center in San Diego, teaching recruits about navy life and regulations.In September of 1975, I retired from the Navy by orders from Mary Berghuis.”-Pete Berghuis, 2008While on leave with Navy crony, Delbert Zwirn, Pete visited Eckley, Colorado and became infatuated with Del’s sister, Mary Zwirn. They were married Sept, 21, 1960 in Eckley and spent their first 16 years stationed in California where three children were born; Sharon, Beth and Kirk. After retirement, Pete moved his family to Eckley and worked various jobs around the area.Pete retired as a member of the Eckley Volunteer Fire Department after 20 years of service, and was a member of the town council, where he served as Mayor. He could always be found tinkering in his garage, listening to classic country, or working on other various projects.Pete’s most valued time spent, however, was at family gatherings with his children and grandchildren.Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ethel Berghuis, and grandchildren Mary Beth Amerine, Lacy Berghuis, Amber Berghuis and Matthew Berghuis.Missing and surviving him is his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Berghuis; daughter Sharon and husband Joe Ferguson and children Heather and Holden of Eckley, CO; daughter Beth Amerine and Maddie, of Centennial, CC; and son Kirk and wife Shara Berghuis, and children Brandy, Cameron and Carson, of Wray, CC; Also a host of many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 5 at the Eckley Community Center. Interment followed at the Eckley Cemetery.Memorials can be made to the Town of Eckley for the Christmas Light Fund, Eckley Volunteer Fire Department, and Hospice of the Plains. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.