Obituary

Mark Nelson Beorkrem, 55, of Farmersville died on Monday, November 5, 2007 at Memorial Medical Center. Mark was born on March 26, 1952 in Moline, the son of Art Beorkrem and Dorathea Allen Beorkrem Selby; they preceded him in death. He married Vernie Neff on December 22, 1973 in Davenport, IA. Mark attended St. Ambrose College and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University. He later pursued a Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. Mark was an environmental activist, a member of the Sierra Club and was the first Executive Director of the Quad City Conservation Alliance. He enjoyed fishing, reading and collecting antiques. Surviving are his wife: Vernie Beorkrem; one sister: Karen (husband, Bill) Ott of Davenport, IA; one brother: Rick of Bettendorf. IA; three nieces: Jenny Beorkrem, Carly Adler and Kate Ott; one nephew: Chris Beorkrem; and his dog: Huxley. The family welcomes friends to a Celebration of Life to share memories of Mark from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at Mickey’s Valley Hall, 24487 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA. See www.mickeyshall.com for directions. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorials may be made to River Action Inc, 822 E River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803. (www.riveraction.org) The family of Mark Nelson Beorkrem is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.