Henry Berghuis

Henry E. Berghuis was born in Clara City, Minnesota, on June 29, 1919, the son of Jacob and Johanna E. (Nieuwhuis) Berghuis. He grew up in Clara City, graduated from high school, and then served in the United States Navy during World War II. He participated in the Pacific theatre. Upon his Honorable Discharge Henry joined the family construction firm with his brother, Del, in Prinsburg. The company eventually specialized in road construction and was instrumental in the development and building of Interstate 94 and Interstate 90 in Minnesota. Henry moved to Alexandria in 1961. He eventually purchased Alexandria Concrete and retired in the area in 1985. On June 19, 1976, Henry was united in marriage to Kathleen (Kay) Schmidt. The couple resided in Alexandria. Henry was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Alexandria, was mayor of Prinsburg for ten years, was Chairman of the Minnesota 2nd District Republicans, and was also a National Republican Committeeman for several years. Henry loved America and the values it stands for. Henry died on March 20, 2013, at his home in Grand Arbor, Alexandria, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years. He is survived by his wife Kay Berghuis of Alexandria, children Mary (Ron) Mulder of Jackson, MN and Daryl (Connie) Berghuis of Alexandria. Also surviving are grandchildren Cameron (Jessica) Mulder of Jackson, Courtney Johnson of St. Cloud, Todd (Candy) Berghuis of Brainerd, and Liz Gorham of Alexandria as well as great-grandchildren Gavin Mulder, Kirbee Mulder, Gunnar Johnson, Ashley Berghuis, Benjamin Berghuis, Isaac Gorham, and Kiley Gorham and a brother Del (Lois) Berghuis of Park Rapids. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Rosalie, two brothers, and five sisters. Memorial Services were held on Monday, march 25, 2013, from the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. Marilee Bergerson officiating. Music was provided by Patrick Kalina, soloist, and Vivian Hegree, organist. Interment was in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota. Military Honors were accorded by American Legion Post #87, VFW Post #936, and the Minnesota National Guard. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net