The family of Kenneth Berkstresser, 91, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the memorial service of their loved one and to honor this American Hero. We will be honored to do so.
Kenneth Berkstresser, a Fallbrook resident, served his country with the United States Marine Corps from August 28, 1941 until October 9, 1945, a military career that spanned the entire length of World War II.
Ken received communications training at Camp Pendleton before being deployed to the Pacific Theater. From June 22, 1942 to July 16, 1944, Ken was in Wellington New Zealand, Guadalcanal, British Soloman islands, Brisbane, Melbourne Australia, Goodenough Island, D'Entracastreaux Group, Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Pavuvu Island and the Russell Islands Group. Ken saw action on Guadalcanal and the British Soloman Islands from August 7, 1942 to December 9, 1942. He was a Corporal at the time of his discharge.
In his civilian life Ken married Canadienne, Gloria Cossette; they were married for 62 years until her passing in 2009. Ken was hired by Pacific Telephone in Los Angeles in 1945, and he retired from "Ma Bell" as a supervising engineer with mocrowave technology responsibility.
Ken is survived by brothers Len Berkstresser of Fallbrook, CA, Don Berkstresser of Nottingham, PA, a cousin Jean Birky of Garden Grove, CA, brother-in-law Dick Cosette of Lake Havasu, NV, and sisters-in-law Carole (Ron) Riggin of Oceanside, CA and Carol (Roger) Cossette of Hacienda Heights, CA. Ken also leaves behind three generations of devoted nieces and nephews, each of whom received his special affection.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying this Hero and his Family to his final resting place. Please see the Time Table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Wednesday, 19 MAR 2014:0830 - Stage at Park and Ride, SR-76 & Old Highway 395 Pala, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/8cLUs0845 - Mission Briefing
0855 - Flag Line for dignified transfer to bus
0900 - KSU to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
https://goo.gl/maps/Gqj2x1015 - Estimated arrival at Cemetery
1100 - Funeral service with Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo LizarragaSoCal PGR Ride Captain
San Diego, CA
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you an. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember to post your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?387842
