Gilbert Berry

Gilbert C. Berry was a risk-taker of the first order. His young life, which was filled with daring escapades, translated into bravery on the battlefield. He served his country with distinction and honored his friends with steadfastness. Toward his family, Gilbert was easy going and fun loving, a good father and a cherished husband. Gilbert was born on January 31, 1921 in Muskegon, Michigan, the fourth of Cyrus Gilbert and Klea (Sovacol) Berrys six children. It was a time of recovery for America, following the economic and political strains of the First World War. The nations can-do spirit was reflected in Charles Lindberghs solo flight across the ocean and Henry Fords mass production of the automobile. The family was supported by the auto industry, with Gilberts father working as a machinist for Continental Motors. Their mother remained at home to care for Gilbert and his two brothers and three sisters. She must have endured many worrisome moments with Gilbert. When they were living in Bailey (a short distance from Muskegon) Gilbert was hit by a truck. He came through the ordeal with the help of his family, who did their own doctoring. Then there was the time Gilbert devised a diving helmet, made out of a metal pail and tire pump. He attached weights to his back and submerged into the water but the pump failed. Thankfully his buddies were near the shore, because Gilbert nearly drowned. They hauled him out and revived him, but even that experience didnt keep Gilbert from taking risks that became his trademark. The family moved back to Muskegon, where Gilbert had access to Muskegon Lake all year long, swimming in summer and ice boating in winter. He attended North Muskegon Schools and contributed to his football team winning a State Championship in 1938. He graduated a year later and plunged into life head first. Even the manner in which he met his future wife was wild. Gilbert and three of his buddies were testing fate on a breakwall, running the steep waves from iron grip to grip. Gilbert was washed over onto the rocks, and the Coast Guard was called to rescue him. He was met on shore by a police officer who took him home and firmly warned him against engaging in any such activities in the future. Whether or not Gilbert heeded the advice, his day ended well. When he returned with his buddies to retrieve his car, he met Catherine St. Amour at Lake Michigan beach. He always contended that Catherine and her friends had thrown a ball and sand at him. Whatever happened, Gilbert took the opportunity to ask her for a date that evening. It was the beginning of a relationship that culminated in marriage on November 8, 1941 at St. Marys Church in Muskegon. Just one month later, dramatic events in America changed the course of history and impacted the lives of the newlyweds. The U.S military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was bombed on December 7, 1941, and Gilbert enlisted in the Army. Catherine uprooted with Gilbert as he served in Mississippi, South Carolina, and went to New Jersey for POE. When he was shipped out to the European Theater, he served under General Patton with the 3rd Army Airborne and was honored to come in contact with him. Even more notable was Gilberts engagement with enemy forces in the wars most harrowing battle. He was a gunner during the Battle of the Bulge from December 16, 1944 into January 25, 1945. His unit was pinned down in Saar Valley for three days. In fact, the first three days of battle cost most of the lives of the 19,000 troops that died in those five weeks. Back home, the Muskegon Chronicle reported that Gilberts unit had been annihilated. But Gilbert survived. At the wars end in 1945, he was honorably discharged for his heroic service on behalf of a grateful nation. Once home, Gilbert picked up his life and settled into work and family. He first managed a gas station on Peck Street before working in several Muskegon factories and ending up at Anaconda as a machine operator. Over the years, Gilbert remained faithful to his buddies through the Vikings and the V.F.W. He was grounded in the Catholic faith as a member of St. Francis DeSales and Prince of Peace Church. Gilbert and Catherine raised three daughters, Joan, Sandra, and Donna, and one son, John. As a family, they shared many outdoor activities. They camped, boated, fished and hunted. Gilbert especially loved Grand Marais on Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, and they all enjoyed power boating on Lake Michigan, Muskegon and Bear Lakes, and the Grand River. With two of his buddies, Gilbert shared a hunting camper that was located in Cornell, the U.P. If he wasnt outdoors, Gilbert could be found puttering at home, doing any and every fix-it job. When he turned his skills to more creative work, he produced hand-crafted lamps that graced many corners of the home. He was also the family doctor and animal humanitarian. He once saved a dog from an abusive breeder, but it took Haylie a long time to warm up to men. When it came to his kids cuts and bruises, Gilbert did the doctoring because Catherine couldnt stand the sight of blood. Gilbert, however, had had a great deal of experience with such mishaps. In 1980, after 37 years of service to Anaconda, Gilbert retired when the plant closed. He and Catherine took the opportunity to go south with a 5th-wheel. For six years they wintered in Arizona until it became too much effort to pull a big trailer. Gilbert also took time with his buddies, reminiscing over the adventures of life. Every Tuesday over coffee, he met friends from his Anaconda days at Cherokee Restaurant. There came a time when Gilberts health prevented him from going, but just a week before his death, a hospice volunteer took him to the restaurant. He was with his friends once more. Gilberts family was with him when he died at his home on a crisp autumn day in Laketon Township. The adventure that was Gilberts life will long be remembered by his beloved wife and children for many generations to come. Mr. Gilbert C. Berry, age 86, died Thursday, October 25, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Catherine A.; 1 son, John Berry of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Joan (Jerry) MacPhee of Battle Creek; 13 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 1 brother, Walter (Bernice) Berry of Grant and 2 sons-in-law, Robert Allen of Holton and Robert Ruppel of Clarkdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Sandra Ruppel and Donna Allen, brother, Nathan Berry and 3 sisters, Inez Yonkers, Florence Race and Helen Puffer. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, October 29, 2007, 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Fr. Phil Sliwinski officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery with a veterans service under the Auspices of Don Rea V.F.W. #8846. Friends and relatives may meet the family on Sunday, 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to Hackley VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.