Berckenhoff

Annie Mae Berckenhoff, of Moulton, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished member of her community, passed away on Jan. 26, 2026, at the age of 87. Born in Wallis on Aug. 1, 1938, she was the daughter of Joe and Annie Matocha Dirba. Annie married the love of her life Robert Berckenhoff on Oct. 20, 1959 and were blessed with 67 wonderful years. Together, they had five children; Barbara Koliba; Robert Lee Berckenhoff (Melissa); Betty Roznovsky (Ronnie); Mary Gardovsky (Phillip); Ronald Berckenhoff (Carol); 12 grandchildren: Sara Koliba Brown (Dusty); Otto Koliba II (Caitlan); Lauren Roznovsky-Loos (Travis); Eric Roznovsky (Tasha); Bradley Berckenhoff, Amanda Berckenhoff-Wenske (Christian); Clayton Gardovsky (Brittany);Dillon Berckenhoff; Blake Berckenhoff (Brianna); Matthew Berckenhoff, John Berckenhoff; eight great grandchildren: Annabelle Montemayor, Rylan Brown, Jacob Wenske, Walker Roznovsky, Noah Wenske, Charlotte Wenske, Grace Gardovsky, and Addison Wenske.

During her childhood years growing up on her family farm, she helped the family pick cotton. One of her favorite pastimes as a young girl was playing the accordion and had a special fondness for Polka music and still to this day. When she started school, she only knew the Czech language and had to learn English. She graduated from Wallis High School in 1956 and was honored as Salutatorian of her class.

Over the years, Annie dedicated herself to her family and her work. She embraced the role of a devoted homemaker while also contributing significantly to her family’s business endeavors. From the early 1960s to the early 1970s, alongside her husband, they owned and operated a country meat market and assisted her husband, in managing Berckenhoff Feedlot & Cattle Company. Annie’s commitment to her work did not go unnoticed; she was a member of several organizations, including the KJZT society, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Annie is lovingly remembered for her warm and nurturing spirit. She was known for her remarkable culinary skills, which included making delightful kolaches, homemade bread, homemade noodles, chiffon cakes, and refreshing homemade ice cream. She took great joy in crafting special homemade hamburger buns for her family, often delivering them out to the hay field. Her creative talents extended beyond the kitchen; she sewed lovely dresses for her daughters to wear during Easter and Christmas. Annie had a green thumb, enjoying canning, gardening, and maintaining beautiful flowerbeds, as well as her treasured chickens and her favorite cow, whom she cared for over an impressive span of 22 years.

Annie leaves behind her loving husband, Robert, along with their five children, 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren with two more on the way.

Annie is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jodie and Bennie Dirba; one sister, Lucie Cunda; one grandson, Trent Thomas Roznovsky, and son-in-law, Otto R. Koliba Jr, and mother and father inlaw, Liberat and Lillie Berckenhoff.

Pallbearers were her grandsons: Otto Koliba, II; Eric Roznovsky; Bradley Berckenhoff; Clayton Gardovsky; Dillon Berckenhoff; Blake Berckenhoff, Matthew Berckenhoff and John Berckenhoff.

Visitation for Annie was held on Jan. 29, 2026, from 4-6:30 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Moulton. A Rosary took place at the same location from 6:30-7 p.m. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moulton on Jan. 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., followed by internment at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Annie Mae Berckenhoff will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. Her memory will forever reside in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.