Raymond J. Berres Sr., age 86, a resident of rural Manitowoc, entered into eternal life on Monday, December 24, 2012 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center in Manitowoc.
Ray was born on November 28, 1926 in Two Creeks to the late John and Elizabeth Ederer Berres. On November 11, 1950, Ray married Ruth Trousil at St. Anne Catholic Church in Francis Creek. Ruth preceded him in death on November 8, 1994. Ray was a life-long truck driver and retired from CW Transport in 1988. Music was a large part of Ray's life. He was a self-taught musician and played in numerous polka bands including Gordy Reckelberg, Two Creeks Farmhands, The Kingsmen, and also the Manitowoc Marine Band. Later in life, Ray enjoyed playing cards with special friends and also playing music with Mystic Moods at the Manitowoc Senior Center. He passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren and enjoyed having jam sessions with them. Ray enjoyed attending his children's and grandchildren's music and sporting events. Ray was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Golden Kiwanis, St. Anne Catholic Church, and Manitowoc Senior Citizen Center. He also took pride in sponsoring less fortunate families in the Philippines.
Survivors include his seven children: Bruce (Carol) Berres, Linda Berres, Ray Berres Jr., Judy Berres and fiancé, Leroy Schmidt, Brenda (Jerry) Weyh, Randy (Kim) Berres, and Heidi (Daniel) Gregorich; eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Ryan) Merle, Julie Berres, Tyghe (Melanie) Vallard, Daniel Berres, Zachary Berres, Benjamin (Carissa) Berres, Katilyn Berres and fiancé, Josh Honey, and Jacob Berres; four great grandchildren: Owen Merle, Owen Squires, Khloe Raye Berres-Honey, and Ruth Josephine Berres; two sisters: Adeline Greene and Isabelle Henrickson; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents: John and Elizabeth Berres; six brothers and three sisters; one granddaughter: Sarah Weyh; and special daughter-in-law: Kathy Berres.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 126 Packer Drive, Francis Creek. Rev. John Becker will officiate and burial will take place at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at St. Anne Catholic Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Ray's name.
Ray's family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to his "angels" at Laurel Grove and Shady Lane, and also the staff of Aurora Medical Center and VNA for the compassionate care they provided.
Online Obituary.