"I just found out today that my father had passed (March 12, 2015) . There should be a correction in the obituary section that he is also survived by two biological children Elsie D. Berry and John F. Berry. It is unfortunate that this was not mentioned by his widow. I always wished for a father. It was unfortunate for him as well, as he never reached out to fully embrace his children, thus leaving a void in his life as well. Rest in Peace. Your daughter, Elsie"
In loving memory of
FRED PARKE BERRY
August 2, 1920 - February 1, 2015
Lt. Col. Fred P. Berry, born August 1920, died quietly in his home on Sunday, February 1, 2015.
He was an Army veteran of 22 years and a professor at Northern Michigan University for 25 years.
Fred had been a resident of Marquette since 1964.
He is survived by his wife, Brunhilde Berry.
There will be no services.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"I can only add to the chorus of my fellow former students who had the wonderful privilege of knowing Professor Berry as an instructor. He and his wife, Bruni, were so gracious to open their home to the Political Science Club for small gatherings. Fred also encouraged me in later years in writing; critiquing or sending me materials he thought might be helpful. My heart-felt condolences to Bruni and all the family."
"Fred Berry was that rare professor who left an indelible mark on his students lives, even on his unremarkable students like me. Many years ago (well, not that manyonly twenty-eight or so; whos counting?) I sat with Fred in NMUs library discussing various career options. His wise counsel was one factor that lead me into a career as an Army intelligence officer and endowed me with a lifelong interest in Russian history. Fred possessed a deep well of amazing life stories. He related to us the story of his Russian language instructor, arrested during Stalins purges of the 1930s and who used his knowledge of the Marxist dialectic to actually talk his way out of prison. Freds nonchalant retelling was gripping, like a real-life thriller. He also had a wealth of experience from his DIA career and always shared that with his students. Freds wife Brunhilde is another treasure who occasionally sat-in on Freds classes to give us her German perspective on world events. Fred and Brunhild often graciously opened their home to their students and we enjoyed some wonderful evenings with them. We had some fine times in the Political Science Club, too. Fred once scolded me for ordering a pitcher of Budweiser and suggested I try a fine dark German beer, thus imparting another valuable life lesson and one that Ive held to this day. Belated condolences to Brunhilde and his family."
"Dr. Berry was a great professor and a mentor to any student who knew him. He inspired many Political Science Students and Cadets enrolled in Northern Michigan Universitys Reserve Officers Training Program. On a personal level, Dr. Berry did more than anyone to instruct me on the strengths and weaknesses involving the various agencies throughout the U.S. Intelligence Community. Many of his key points are as a germane today as they were back in 1982, when I was fortunate enough to have him as a professor in several courses. In addition, he and his wife Brunhilde were very fun and interesting people that I enjoyed spending time with when I was involved in the Political Science Symposium at NMU. I also looked forward to visiting them when I returned home several years after graduation, as a GS-15 with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Professor Berry was a true patriot who severed his country proudly during his active duty years in the U.S. Army, and as a Professor of Political Science at NMU. For all of his knowledge of foreign affairs, the U.S. Military, and the Intelligence Community Dr. Berry was very non-partisan, which contributed immensely to his credibility regarding critical issues pertaining to national security matters. Dr. Berry, all of your friends, colleagues, and former students were - or still are better people today because of your inspiration, professionalism, and knowledge that you imparted on us all. Even now your definition of intelligence being timely truth well told is something that I wish more of our policymakers would practice today. God bless your and your entire family Dr. Berry. Sincerely, your protg and former student Steven Nystrom."
"Tom Baldini Professor Berry was one of those professor\'s that you remember for his content, organized lecture and examples (stories). I had the good fortune to work for him as an assistant when he conducted large lectures for American Government in the Forest Roberts Theater. We would walk from Longyear Hall and catch up on events. We were fortunate to have him as an instructor and to have his hospitality and especially Brunhilde food. It was one of those individuals who invited the students to his home for an end of the year reception that always turned into a discussion of current events and his knowledge of history. He made a positive difference in the life of a significant number of students. I\'m pleased that I had him as a professor and friend. I enjoyed his novels and his \"suggestions\" about life at NMU during his tenure. Condolences to the family."
"Professor Berry was a most highly disciplined, well prepared, and inspiring member of the NMU faculty. Students often gathered in the halls to remark about his content rich presentations. His command of several languages, and his broad military and travel experience brought the world to this small, regional university. He was a wise counselor to many. He translated remarkable stories of Stalinist Russia, and, in recent years, completed three fascinating novels written under the pen name, Merrill T. Fleury. I join the chorus of former students in saluting one of the most influential educators in Northern's history. To Mrs. Brunhilde Berry, Gretchen and I send our deep condolences with profound respect."