WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Roger LeRoy Berry, of Marsing, Idaho, and formerly of Sturgis, passed away July 9, 2012, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born Feb. 12, 1933, in Constantine, to Frank and Evalene Berry. He went to school in Constantine, worked his parents’ farm, participated in 4-H, raising both swine and cattle.
Roger served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, from 1951-1953.
Loving everything to do with water, Roger moved to Big Fish Lake outside of Sturgis, enjoying fishing, boating and waterskiing. He also served as volunteer diver for the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. As an avid hunter, his fall deer-hunting trips were scheduled without fail or any interruption! Roger also enjoyed tinkering in his garage and helping any who asked with projects, earning him the nickname of “Mr. Fix It.”
On Aug. 6, 1960, he and Jill Grossman were married. They began raising their family at the lake, passing his love of the water to them. He retired from Kirsch Company in Sturgis, after 37 years, and was a licensed electrician. After retirement, he and Jill traveled the United States in their RV, doing their best to see as much of the country as they could. They then settled in Marsing with one of their daughters to enjoy the more moderate weather.
Roger is preceded in death by his first wife, Nanette Noaker and their infant son, Keith Roger; his beloved brother Willard Berry; and his parents, Frank and Evalene Berry.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jill; a son, Brian (Tami) Mayer; daughters Romaine (Curt) Nelson, Johnna (David) Bara and Rebecca (Jeff) Wasson; four beautiful granddaughters, Anika, Teah, Montana and Fallon; two sisters, Marlene (Jack) Stears and Viola (Bill) Friesner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation and memorial service from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, July 22, at Salem Lutheran Church on Banker Street in Sturgis. Bill McClain of Constantine will officiate.
Memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Michigan, 30400 Telegraph Road, suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, or online, www.parkinsonsmi.org.
