Douglas L. Berry

Douglas L. Berry, age 59, passed away on Thursday April 17, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center following a short battle with cancer. Doug was born in Stanford, KY on January 8, 1955, son of the late Fonzo and Margaret (nee: Rousey) Berry.

Doug was united in marriage to the love of his life, Laurie I. Ziegler, on August 31, 1974, at First Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member. Along with family, he owned and operated Martinizing Dry Cleaning in Racine. Often Doug could be found sitting in his greenhouse, watching the Brewers. He enjoyed playing cribbage with family and getting in heated debates with his good friend, Mel. Doug had vast knowledge and an amazing ability to fix just about anything, and he had the patience to teach his sons the same. His lawn was maintained with great pride, and all his neighbors, friends, and family enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. Doug was admired for his remarkable business acumen and economic sense. He was the type of guy who was friends with everyone in town and will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly forty years, Laurie; sons, Jason Loyd (Julie) Berry of Racine, Chad Fonzo (Justena) Berry of Nixa, MO; grandchildren, Jaleesa and Dylan Berry, Christena, Camden, and Benjamin Fonzo Berry; grand-dog, Cayman; brother, Charles (Eva) Berry of Shorewood; mother-in-law, Arlene Riekkoff; father-in-law, Linus Ziegler; brothers-in-law Denny (Jane) Hush, Scott (Christy) Ziegler, Tim (Cari) Hush, Todd (Dawn) Hush; childhood friend, Donnie Miller; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Doug was also preceded in death by his brothers, Mike and Stanley and his sister, Jolene.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 25, 2014, 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 3117 Lathrop Ave, with Reverend Holly Anderle officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home 5-7 P.M. and on Friday at the church 10:30 A.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Baptist Church in Racine have been suggested.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff, Dr. James Taylor and staff for their loving and compassionate care.