Jerry E. Berkey, 78, of West Lafayette, went home to be with the Lord at 3:05 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2016 at I. U. Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.  He was born November 9, 1937 in Lafayette to Earl E. and Elsie I. (Teel) Berkey.  He married Nancy Wilson on December 28, 1956 in Flora and she survives.  

Jerry was a 1956 graduate of Flora High School, where he met his loving wife of 60 years.  He joined the Army right after high school and was stationed in Giessen Germany for three years.  Jerry and Nancy brought the first of their three children into the world while he was stationed in Germany.   After returning home from the military, he worked for Dean’s Foods for over 19 years.  He continued working for Eli Lilly an additional 22 years where he retired.  After retirement Jerry and Nancy split there time between Sarasota Florida and Lafayette.  He enjoyed playing card games and taking rides on his motorcycles.  

Surviving family include his loving wife Nancy Berkey, W. Lafayette; three sons, Jerry William (Teresa) Berkey and Kenneth (Cindy) Berkey of Lafayette and Ricky (Denise) Berkey of Houston.  Nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Adam, Melissa, Timothy, Ashley, Evan, Kyle, Erica and Ryan.  Fourteen great grandchildren also survive along with his siblings, Janet (Bill) Fouts, Columbia Heights, MN; Merlin (June) Berkey, Boca Raton, FL; and Christine (Richard) Murray, Galveston, IN and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15th at Genda Funeral Home -  Reinke Chapel, 103 N. Center Street, Flora, Indiana with his brother Rev. Dr. Merlin Berkey officiating.  Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston Indiana are in charge of arrangements.  www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

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