Deacon Don Berkey

Deacon Don Berkey, 88, a resident of Frankfort formerly of Crystal Lake, Green Bay, WI, and Glendive, MT, passed away with family by his side surrounded by love on August 8, 2022 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL.

Deacon Don was the loving husband of the late Shirley Berkey; beloved father of Dean (Roberta) Berkey, Alan (Gina) Berkey and Linda (Bob) Massey; dearest brother of Rose (Art) Storlie, and the late Donna (late Tom) Kunka and the late Gary (Jackie) Higlin; cherished grandfather of David Berkey, Theresa (Dave Smith) Berkey, Jessica Berkey, Ross (Natasha) Massey, Amanda (Anthony) Berkey, Taylor (Van) Le and Thomas Berkey. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Dante, Trent, Jasmine, Lily, Evelyn, Jameson and Riley, as well as many godchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Deacon Don retired from Hollymatic Corporation as a Marketing Manager. He was a beloved member of St. Anthony Catholic Church serving as a Deacon, ordained in 1997, and a member of Knights of Columbus, a member of the Marriage Encounter leadership team, St. Vincent DePaul and part of the parent team for the COR Youth group. He was dedicated to his community and an active member of the Boy Scouts of America since 1942, serving as a Scouting Chaplain for the local counsel, a Scout Master in Glendive, MT and Crystal Lake, IL. and a member of the Joliet Catholic Committee on Scouting. Deacon Don has been honored with many medals, including the Bronze Pelican, the St. George, and the Silver Beaver, and was a proud member of the Order of the Arrow. He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

To his children and grandchildren he was Dad, Papa, and Superman. A man you could always go to and depend on, a yard stick for doing the right thing, someone who would walk by your side through any problem, cheer your life’s celebrations, a man with an incredible (very corny) sense of humor who boundlessly loved his family. You never left his presence without a hug and knowing that you were deeply loved by him.

A visitation will be held for Deacon Don at St. Anthony Catholic Church 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort IL 60423 on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony Catholic Church on Friday, August 12, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lightways Hospice in Don’s name would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements handled by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Frankfort www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225