Mark James Berkstresser

Mark James Berkstresser, 65, of Climax, NC passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2025, surrounded by his wife, sister and children. Mark had been struggling with illness for several years and he truly fought the good fight. While we miss him immensely, we are so relieved to know that he is no longer suffering. 

Mark was born on April 16, 1959, in Miami, Florida to John and Lucy Berkstresser. Mark proudly took on the role of big brother to his siblings. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving, classic movies, and spending quality time with friends and family. Mark was always busy building something or fixing something or sharing ideas for projects that he planned to complete one day, and was always glad to lend a helping hand. Mark could figure anything out and could always be counted on for his quick wit and ability to solve problems. We all relied on him to be our confidant and advisor. Mark was a former police officer for the City of Pembroke Pines, Florida and later spent many years working for Home Depot in North Carolina. He was incredibly proud of the work he did, and he is remembered fondly by his many coworkers.

Mark was the best “Pop” to his children, Laura Jo and John. He always opened his home and his heart to their partners and many friends, and he could always be depended upon to love and support them. He was an incredible uncle and father figure to his nephews, Cody and Dalton Lathan, and he proudly included them in family projects and adventures. Later in life, Mark and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoyed traveling, gardening and existing in their peaceful slice of heaven on Kime farm, far far away from any neighbors (and he would have told you that the solitude was JUST how he liked it). Most recently, Mark became a grandfather to his precious Joanna Maples, and she brought joy to his life wherever he found her in it. Mark loved his family deeply and his absence is felt heavily. 

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucy, and his siblings John Thomas, Louanne and Jo Anna. He is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, his children Laura Jo (Heather) of Colfax and John Mark (Mary) of Raleigh, his siblings, Banna Lathan of Reidsville and Keith (Michele) of Loxahatchee, FL, his beloved granddaughter, Joanna, of Raleigh and a whole host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

It’s impossible to sum up the incredible legacy of a person in just a few words, but Mark would have wanted everyone reading this obituary to know that they were loved and cared for. He dedicated his life to helping others and we would be doing him a disservice not to pay that kindness forward in some way. The loss of Mark has left a gaping hole, and it will be challenging to adjust to life without him. In closing, even though this loss feels like it’s not fair, Mark would say with a smile on his face “it might not be fair, but that’s just life in the big city.”

Rest easy, Pop, and thanks for everything. We love you.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at 2pm at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home – Kernersville Chapel located at 3950 Macy Grove Rd, Kernersville, NC 27284.