Duane Berry

Duane Edwin Berry was born April 5, 1923, to Carl and Agnes (Zessin) Berry in Calloway, Nebraska. Duane was born in a sod house and lived there for the first few years of his life. He attended school in Calloway and graduated from high school in 1940. On February 23, 1941, Duane entered into the United States Navy and proudly served his country until June 1, 1956. He was honorably discharged after being permanently disabled. He served on the USS Texas Battleship in the North Atlantic Patrol. He also served in Iceland, Scotland and was involved with the invasion of North Africa. In 1942 Duane transferred to a CBI 26 aircraft carrier. Duane married Letha Nelson on March 27, 1957, at her parents' home in Woodbine. The couple moved to Norfolk, Virginia and then moved to Omaha in 1958. Duane then attended air conditioning and refrigeration school for 18 months. Duane worked for Safeway and then in 1960 he worked for Sears & Roebuck. He retired from there in 1980 as the Director of Security. Letha died on December 2, 2010.

Duane was a member of the Shiloh Masonic Lodge #327 and VFW Post #2503 in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple wintered in Texas for 15 years. Duane enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Alaska. He made a total of 14 fishing trips to Canada.

Duane died on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at his home in Omaha at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Letha Berry; sister, Wanda Cole; and brother, Jack Berry. He is survived by his four children, Craig (Lori) O'Connor of Placerville, California, Steven (Barbara) Berry of Milford, Nebraska, Bradley (Cindy) Berry of Omaha, Nebraska, Kristie Mayne of Omaha, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.