HIBBING, MINN. – A big honor for a World War Two veteran who turned 100 Wednesday on the Iron Range.
There was a drive-by parade and military program to celebrate the 100th birthday of Joe Berklich in Hibbing. Berklich said he didn’t feel 100, more like 80. He said the secret to reaching age 100 was to stay active.
Berklich worked 43 years for U-S Steel, was the longtime president of the Hibbing Curling Club, and served on the Hibbing City Council.
Congressman Pete Stauber’s office said a flag flying over the U-S Capitol Wednesday was in Berklich’s honor and will be delivered to him.
HIBBING â Joe Berklich told the Mesabi Tribune a few months ago the ages of his four children. Michael is 73, Danny is 69, Timmy is 63, and Mary Scofield, my baby, she s 58. He added with his usual humor, Then there s me â 65!
Berklich s spoofing was off by just a few decades. The good-natured Hibbing World War II veteran turns 100 on Wednesday, February 24, and family members, special guests and many veterans will take part in a birthday drive-by celebration past his house on Sixth Avenue East.
Part of the momentous event will be this message from his daughter Mary and great-granddaughter Paige. Mary wrote: I always wished that my father would add to his title of Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather âGreat-Great-Grandfather. My wish has come true. And Paige wrote, Happy 100th Birthday, Grandpa Joe! We love you and wish we could be with you on your special day! We hope that come September you will be ready to meet your great-great-grandchild!!