Carl Berry

Carl Berry, 73, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016, after a 6 month battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in West Des Moines with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines.

Carl was born November 13, 1942 in Garnett, Kansas, to Clyde and Minnie Berry. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1960. Carl attended Iola Community College and Kansas State University. He served in the Naval Air from 1962 – 1964. Carl’s career in the transportation industry started in Kansas City with Eldon Miller Inc., and then Riss International - both trucking firms. In 1969 he moved to Des Moines and joined Ruan Companies, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 2002.

Carl’s favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. His other love was golf, which he played as often as possible. Carl was the family handyman doing many projects for everyone. He also enjoyed woodworking and created or refinished many pieces. He travelled extensively and had been to every state but Alaska. Carl was a master gardener and enjoyed working outdoors and boating at Lake Panorama. He also was an avid sports fan and had Drake men’s and women’s basketball season tickets for many years. Carl was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Carl is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elaine; daughter, Stephanie (John) Reinhardt of Clive; son, Mike of San Diego; and grandchildren, Abby, Gabe, and Sadie of Clive; he is also survived by brothers-in-law, Mark (Kristi) Peters of Breda, John (Kelli) Peters of Urbandale, and Mike Petersen of Urbandale; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Arlene Talbott and husband Charles, Phyllis Donaldson and husband Bob; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Norma Peters; and sisters-in-law, Jean Peters and Karen Petersen.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Covenant Presbyterian Church.