Kenneth Berry

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, September 9, 2021
at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 92

Kenneth Eri Berry was born to Emile and Echo (Teaney) Berry on March 22, 1929, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was called to his heavenly home on September 9, 2021. He began his education in Ottumwa, South Dakota and graduated from Rapid City Central High School. He moved to the Milesville, South Dakota community in 1947 and worked with his father on the ranch. While he enjoyed this time, something was missing until March 1951.

In Kenneth's own words: "I was raised in a home that was not Christian. When I went to high school, I stayed with my grandmother who insisted that I go to church with her. I did and hated every moment of it, so did not pay much attention to what was being said. After I got out of high school, I took no interest in church. Sometimes I would read my mother's Bible but not enough to understand anything that I read. As time went on, I seemed to get increasingly unhappy. I seemed to have no goal for my life. I spent a lot of time hunting, fishing, and flying, but I found that material things do not fill a person's need. Life did not seem to have much purpose. One time a girl asked me to go to Bible study. I went because there was not anything else going on. I became interested in the Bible. I accepted Christ as my Savior and soon married that girl. I found that life can have a purpose. God created man so He could have a companion. We are to live our lives for Him. We can talk to God by prayer, and He will answer our prayers. I know that Christ died for my sins. He has gone to prepare a place for those that take Him as their Savior; so that when I die, I will go to heaven to be with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Kenneth and Doris Parsons were married August 19, 1951, the beginning of a wonderful journey. Kenneth was soon drafted to serve in the Army, stationed at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. When the war ended in 1955, the family made their home on a ranch on Bad River, east of Philip, South Dakota. Kenneth was a charter member of the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip. In 1979 he moved to Milesville where they farmed until 2002 when they moved into Philip where they have since resided.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Doris, Philip; five children: Robert (Betty Kozitka), Midland; Donna Berry, Sioux Falls; David (Tonya Smith), Milesville; Ray (Carla Johnson), Arcadia, Nebraska; and Keith (Carol Fiero), Rapid City; 12 grandchildren: Kimberly (Wes) Roth, Ryon Berry, Katie Berry, Ashley (Justin) Jaspers, Dusti Berry (Ian Moriarty), Jade Berry (Kailey Sawvell), Anna (Xavier) Mathis, Alexis Berry (Krey Warshaw), Matthew Berry, Timothy Berry, Misti Berry (Mitchell Fielder) and Eri Berry; 7 great-grandchildren: Kaleb and Elsie Roth, Denise Berry, Clare Moriarty, and Koleson, Grayson, and Peyton Jaspers; 4 nieces and nephews: Rex Berry, Claudia Forshier, Eli Berry, and Carmel Gorham; 1 cousin, Toma; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Claude (Elizabeth Quinn).

Memorials may be directed to Victory Bible Camp, Ft. Pierre, South Dakota. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 197 Philip, SD 57567.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 13, at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip with Pastor Ray Berry officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip with Pastor Wes Roth officiating.

Service Details

VISITATION
Monday, September 13, 2021 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - 2:00 p.m.
Community Evangelical Free Church
Philip, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Ray Berry

MUSIC
Carla Berry - Prelude/Postlude Pianist
Special Music
Judy Elshere - Pianist
Lana Elshere - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“He Leadeth Me”

USHERS
Eli Berry - Earl Parsons

PALLBEARERS
Jade Berry - Eri Berry - Matthew Berry
Timothy Berry - Ryon Berry - Rex Berry

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Pastor Wes Roth - Officiating

Guest Book

It has been my great privilege to grow up knowing all the Berry family. Starting with Echo and Emil, Kenneth's folks, his brother Claude, as well as Kenneth. I am so proud to have been able to have been able to call each one of them a friend. Our prayers are with you.
   ~ Don & Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (9/10/2021)
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and Prayers.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (9/10/2021)
We are thinking of all you folks during this time of loss. Kenneth was a very kind man, he will be missed by many. Hold on to all the memories.
   ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (9/12/2021)
Sorry but we will not be able to attend the services for Kenneth. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Having spent lots of time at the Berry home and later working for Kenneth created many good memories . Will always remember our few visits in later years. Tom Aasby
   ~ Tom & Jane Aasby Piedmont SD (9/11/2021)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.
   ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (9/10/2021)
God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
   ~ Vicki Neiderworder Presho ,SD (9/10/2021)
Rest in peace Kenneth, our sympathies to the Berry family
   ~ Pat & Carla Quinn Centennial CO (9/10/2021)
It was always pleasant to see Kenneth and visit with him, so friendly and caring. Our sincere sympathy to Kenneth's family.
   ~ Kenneth & Linda McIlravy Philip (9/12/2021)
It was an honor to care for your loved one. He was a gentle soul and had a wonderful sense of humor. I pray God gives you peace during this difficult time of loss and grief.
   ~ Carmen Fees, RN Philip,SD (9/10/2021)

Flowers

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Family - "Father" "Grandfather"
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Jody and Laniece Sawvell; Camden and Kassidy; and the Casey Sawvell Family
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Dakota Country Pharmacy
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Joanne and Family
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Shar and Mike Moses
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Rex, Claudia, Eli, Carmel, and Families
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"Grandpa" - the families of Kim, Ryon, and Ashley