George H. Berry's Obituary
George Henry Berry, age 86, of Norton Shores, Michigan, passed away on August 6, 2023 in the presence of family. George was born October 4, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan to Emory and Elizabeth (Terwin) Berry. George married Bonnie Lee Faketty on June 22, 1963 in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
George proudly served his country in the United States Army in Germany in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. He earned degrees in English and Social Studies from Western Michigan University, where he also met Bonnie. The couple began their teaching careers in Ypsilanti, Michigan, also receiving master’s degrees in Education from Eastern Michigan University. Soon after, they settled within the Fruitport school district, where George taught 8th grade English for 30 years. For much of his career, George was the teachers’ union chief negotiator and grievance chair. He also served as an elected member of the board of Muskegon Catholic Central High School, representing Sacred Heart Parish.
George deeply enjoyed poetry, writing, storytelling, and discussion. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 60 years; children, Craig Berry & Mary Beth (Beauchamp) of Dallas, Texas and Jeanette (Berry) & Brian Tait of Goodrich, Michigan; grandchildren, Lauren (Berry) & Travis Fielder, Kyle & Carly (Turner) Berry, Megan Levy, Ryan Berry, and Rachel Levy; great-grandchild, Franklin Fielder; nephews and nieces, Robert Wingett, Karen (Wingett) & Brian Avdek, Sandra (Wingett) Davis, Patrick & Michelle (Muskovin) Wingett, and Bradley & Cynthia (Shedd) Wingett. George’s father, mother, father & mother-in-law, and sisters & brothers-in law precede him in death.
George will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Muskegon on Saturday, October 21, 2023 followed by a 1:00 PM Memorial Service in his honor at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Muskegon Rescue Mission, 400 W. Laketon Ave., https://muskegonmission.org or Every Woman’s Place, 1221 W. Laketon Ave., https://everywomansplace.org.
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