Fred Berry

Fred Ralph Berry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law passed away August 21, 2023, at the age of 92.

Born June 27, 1931 to Verner and Dora (Stoltz) Berry in Roseau, Minnesota.

On January 16, 1954, Fred married Dorothy Corneliusen and they were married 69 years. Fred lived in Warroad, Minnesota and worked on the family farm until he graduated from high school. He worked various jobs in and around Warroad until he joined the Air Force on January 2, 1951. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War as an aircraft hydraulics specialist and was honorably discharged December 10, 1954. In 1958, Fred moved his family to Denver, CO., where he began his career in the welding industry. He first worked in the warehouse and eventually advanced to sales. His career took him from Denver to Spokane, WA, Lewiston, ID, and to Grand Junction, CO where he finally retired at age 72.  His customers appreciated his vast welding and industry knowledge and his dedication to customer service. They especially enjoyed Fred’s PhD in BS as he was never at a loss for a story, joke, or to give a good ribbing.

After Dorothy and his family, Fred’s true love was the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and snowmobiling, and was always planning the next outing. Until just a few years ago, Fred and Dorothy made annual or even biannual trips to Minnesota to enjoy fishing and hunting with family members. Whether it was a practical joke on an unsuspecting brother-in-law or grandchild, Fred always walked away laughing the most.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Debora (Jeff) Poloni, Henderson, NV; son, Dale Berry, Grand Junction, CO; granddaughter, Jeana Poloni, Kent, WA; sisters-in-law, Irene Pearson; Karen (Les) Staff; brothers-in-law, Harold (Audrey) Corneliusen; Wayne (Janet) Corneliusen; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; sisters, Mary Warren and Jean Flodine; brothers, Russel, Charles, and Donald; and grandson, Kris Poloni.

The family would like to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation for the excellent care Fred received from Dr. Mohler, the administration and staff at Family Health West Assisted Living, and Hope West. Additionally, thank you to Kevin and Donna for the many meals, handyman services, and unconditional friendship shown to Fred and Dorothy throughout the years.

A Funeral Service will be held at Helgeson Funeral Home in Warroad on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00am with a visitation an hour prior. Interment will be held at Norland Cemetery. Lunch will be served after the service at the Warroad Community Center.

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