Robert L. Berry

Robert “Bob” Linn Berry, age 83, passed away peacefully in the early hours of November 1, 2025.

Born on October 16, 1942, in Kewanee, Illinois. Robert was the son of Clarence and Dorothy (Downey) Berry of Neponset, Illinois. He married Jennie A. (Seiden) Berry on July 7, 1968, in Kewanee. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and raised two sons, Jared and Jason Berry.

After graduating from Neponset high school in 1961, Robert attended the Moline Institute of Commerce. Upon graduation, he worked at Kirley and Sons Clothing Store in Kewanee and later joined JCPenney Company in management. In 1962, he enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, serving as an E-4. He completed active duty and was honorably discharged in 1968.

In 1973, Robert began working for ServiceMaster Hospital Management, eventually becoming the Director of Environmental Services. His career took him to hospitals in Herrin, IL; St. Louis, MO; Enid, OK; and Pueblo, CO. In 1981, he and Jennie opened their own business, a ServiceMaster franchise in Rock Island, IL.

Robert and Jennie have been devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska since 2021. Previously they were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Island, Illinois where he enjoyed singing in the choir.  He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America in Illinois, where he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service. He and Jennie enjoyed volunteering with the Scouts, and both of their sons earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

A passionate musician, Robert was a member of the CASi New Horizons Community Band in Davenport, Iowa, where he played in the percussion section. He had a lifelong love of music, especially country western and big band genres.

Robert also enjoyed history, gardening, bowling, playing games, storytelling, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie Berry; his son Jared Berry (wife Michelle) and their children Bryan, Caleb, and Beth, along with Beth’s daughters Joslyn and Zaylee; and his son Jason Berry (wife Julie) and their children Cole, Dalton (wife Hope), and Chase (wife Kaitlyn) with son Beckett. His brother Jim Berry; his daughters Rebecca Smith (husband Matthew) and Erin Berry.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Dorothy Berry.

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