Fred L. Berry

Fred L. Berry, age 82, of Michigan City, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at Golden Living Center, LaPorte. The service will be held Thursday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel R. Fleming officiating from Garden of Prayer Church of Michigan City. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow. He was born February 29, 1928 in Salem, IN to Marion and Nellie (Bush) Collins, both of whom preceded him in death. He married his former spouse, Jean Pipkin, in 1953. He then married his second wife, Mary M. Orth in 1987. Both of them preceded him in death. Surviving are his children Darlene (Larry) Price of LaPorte, Linda Berry, Michigan City, Brian (Vicki) Berry, Michigan City, Kim (Brice) Holzer of Michigan City, Frederick (Amie) Orth of LaPorte; stepchildren Dean and George Orth of LaPorte, Mari Dee of Mokena, IL, and Peggy Hollis of Michigan City, grandchildren Jeannie (Elijah) Fleming, Ashlee, Elliot, Alyssa and Sonja Berry, Samantha, Anthony and Jacob Orth, and Brianna and Nicholas Holzer, great-grandchildren Jacob, Nellijah, Naomie Fleming and Dominick Wozniak, and many other great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter Rose Utley. Fred was a laborer for Blocksom & Co. for over 25 years. During his time at Blocksom he also worked part time for Washington Park Police Dept. He then became zoo foreman at Washington Park Zoo. He was a former member of FOP #75 Dunes Lodge. He enjoyed playing guitar with his brother-in-law Loyd at family functions. During his 26 years at the zoo he established a special bond with “Dutches” the elephant. Of all the many animals he cared for over the years she was his favorite. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Memorial contributions may be made to Michiana Humane Society.