William "Bill" Conrad Berry

It is with great sadness that the family of William "Bill" Conrad Berry announce his unexpected passing on January 7th, 2024.

Bill was born on July 3rd, 1942, to Samuel L and Edna M Berry in Marshall, Michigan.  Bill attended Sacket School in rural Marshall until he entered Marshall High School where he graduated in 1961.   While in school Bill was a member of the FFA and the 4-H group Eckford Energetics, and not just because his mom was a 4-H leader during his school years.   After graduation Bill enlisted into the United States Navy.  He was involved in an accident while on board a ship and was forced into early retirement.

Upon returning to Michigan Bill enrolled at Ferris State University (Go Bulldogs) majoring and earning his degree in autobody repair.  Bill made his mom very proud by being her first and only child to be on the dean's list.

Bill bounced around the job arena finally settling down with Dave's autobody Repair Shop where he "retired". Dave's wasn't the only place he performed bodywork as you could find him in the barn working on some kind of a vehicle with close friends and family like the late Keith Blowers.  One of his projects was refurbishing a Cushman motorcycle with best friend Robert Percival.

Bill loved watching NASCAR racing on TV but could also be found at Butler Motor Speedway on a Saturday night watching live races.  He even helped build a sprint car and took part in the pits helping drivers with their sprint cars!

Bill grew up on a farm in Eckford township where he resided until he passed away.  In his younger days he could be found plowing the fields and planting crops.  He still cut, raked, and bailed the grass from one of the fields.  He would grind the bales so he and his sister Mary could put the mulch on the garden they tended to every year.

Sadly, Bill never married but had a fairly large extended family.  Bill is survived by sisters Mary Berry of Marshall and Linda Berry of Marquette Michigan.  He has nieces Kelly (Patrick) Barney and Susan (Ed) Ramos both of Battle Creek, Michigan and a nephew Aaron (Samantha) Berry of Marshall.  Great nephews Quin, Exio and Samuel and great niece Ellyn. Also, a best friend and brother from another mother, Robert Percival.  Preceding in death are his parents Samuel L and Edna M Berry, brother Samuel J. Berry and a brother from another mother, Keith Blowers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:pm, the funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm with Pastor Brandon Crawford officiating. 

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign he online guest book or to leave the family condolences.