Walter James Berry

Walter James Berry, age 89, of Sac City, Iowa passed away at his home on Monday December 8, 2003. Walter was born November 27, 1914, in Barton County, MO, the son of John and Blanche (Reaves) Berry. The family lived in Lamar, Missouri and later moved to the Lake View area in 1924. He was baptized in the Methodist Church in Lake View.

Walter graduated from country school in the Lake View area and attended the Lake View High School.

On June 27, 1934, he was united in marriage to Vera Niles in Storm Lake, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Eugene, Beulah, Judy and Dennis. The couple raised their children on the family farm and retired from farming in 1976.

Walter was a member of the United Methodist Church in Sac City. He found enjoyment in fishing, hunting, playing cards, and following agricultural activities. Other interests included attending the Sac and Clay County Fairs, going to threshing bees and watching area parades. Family gatherings and get togethers were also special times for him.

He is survived by his children and their spouses; Eugene and Doris Berry, Beulah and Wendell Body all of Sac City, Judy and Jack Mason of West Des Moines, and Dennis and Deanna Berry of Lake View; ten grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, David and Susan Body, Alex and Ben of Polk City, Susan Body and Caitlin of Osceola: Jane Eppink and Sam, Katherine, Michael and Elizabeth of Urbandale, Keith and Shelli Berry, Dani, Tanner and Lexie of Sac City. Barb and Gary Ruebel, Ben and Katie of Des Moines, Steve Mason and friend Debbie of Leon, Don and Carmen Mason, Krystal, Desiree, Elaine, Elizabeth and Jennifer of Leon, Scott Mason of Garden Grove, Shelly and Jade Pospeshil and Mason of Katie, TX, and Nick Berry of Ames; brother, Francis Berry and his wife Velma of Aurelia and two sisters Lydia Pellersels of California and Charlotte and her husband Don Busch of Lake View.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Berry: step mother, Helen Berry, wife, Vera: sister Evalina Miller: brother, Lawrence Berry: and grandson, Kenneth Body.

Funeral service for Walter Berry is Friday, December 12, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Sac City, with Rev. Dean McPherson officiating. Music will be provided by Congregational singing, Rick Hecht-soloist, and Lorna Youll-organist. John and Lisa Phillips will take care of the flowers. Pallbearers include: Keith Berry, David Body, Nick Berry, Steve Mason, Scott Mason, Don Mason, Gary Ruebel, and Jade Pospeshil. Burial will be at Cory Grove Cemetery.


Visitation is Thursday, December 11, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.