Robert Berry

Bob Berry passed away of natural causes on March 5, 2026, at the age of 89. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, lifelong learner, and educator.

He was born on June 19, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Irene (Hoffman) and Lewis Berry. The eldest of ten children, he spent his early childhood in the Madison area before the family later moved to South Milwaukee.

In high school, Bob proudly delivered Polish-language newspapers to neighbors and also toured the United States as a trumpet player with the Milwaukee Militaires Drum and Bugle Corps, sparking a love of travel and curiosity about places beyond Wisconsin. He graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1954.

He joined the Air Force intelligence branch in 1958 and was stationed in Texas, New York, France, and Germany, where he lived for 9 years. During his service he was trained in Russian, Spanish, German, and French—the beginning of a lifelong fascination with languages. One of Bob’s favorite memories from those years was traveling across France with two of his brothers on only a motorcycle with a sidecar.

Through the military, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Southern California, specializing in Russian, German, and education. He later enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard, where he served for 12 years and was awarded several honors.

Bob met his wife, Kay, while on a study trip for German educators in Austria. He proposed in front of the famous Viennese Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel) and the two were faithful companions for the next 55 years. They shared their love of travel, music, and languages with their two children, taking them on trips abroad or in the family camper, and supporting all of their creative endeavors.

Bob began his teaching career at Verona High School in 1969. For 30 years “Herr Berry” taught German classes, led student exchange trips, and shared his enthusiasm for German culture at community dinners. He worked tirelessly to make the German language accessible to all and was loved by students and colleagues alike for his wit and goofy humor. He retired from teaching in 1999.

In retirement, Bob took a part-time job at the Verona Post Office. He also dedicated much of his time to personal pursuits, including home improvement projects, studying languages, transcribing Czech polkas, and exploring his family history and genealogy.

He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Kay; son Erik (Chrissy Gildersleeve), and daughter Elizabeth (Jorge Gonzalez); grandchildren Taelem, Kayah, Luisa, and Mario; siblings Mark (Elvie), Dean, Marian (Mark) Gruszkowski, Patty (Bob) Paszkowski; sister-in-law Marsha Alexander, brothers-in-law Gene (Darlene) Alexander and Brian Alexander, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Irene and Lewis; siblings William, Joan, Phillip, Janet, and Daniel; Kay’s parents Mary and Henry Alexander, and brother-in-law Gary Alexander.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 16th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home-Verona, 220 Enterprise Dr. On Tuesday, March 17th, an additional visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Salem United Church of Christ, 502 Mark Dr. in Verona, followed by funeral services and a luncheon. An internment ceremony will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salem UCC, the Badger Prairie Needs Network, or a charity of your choice. To view his obituary and and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625