Gerald V. “Gerry” Berkemann

Gerald V. "Gerry" Berkemann, of Lebanon, IL, born on Father's Day, June 16, 1946, departed from this life, 67 years later, on Father’s Day, June 16, 2013 to join our Heavenly Father.

He was a 1964 graduate of Lebanon Community High School. Gerry worked many years with the family-owned fertilizer business. He later worked for Metro East Sand Co., Jet Aerobics, and Prairie Farms Dairy retiring in 2011. He served as a Lebanon Emerald Mound Volunteer Fireman and EMT. He was a member of the Latzer Homestead Harvest Days in Highland, IL.  His passion was farming, restoring antique tractors, and attending antique tractor shows.  Gerry was also an active member of St. Paul's UCC church in Lebanon.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents Vincent W. and Malinda M. (Strubhart) Berkemann. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna J. (Ohl) Berkemann whom he married on April 16, 1971.  Gerry was a loving father to his four children, Christine M. (Kevin) Van Ness of Breese, IL, Kevin G. Berkemann of Lebanon, IL, Kimberly A. (Steven) Powers of Mascoutah, IL, and Scott R. (Renee) Berkemann of Belleville, IL., and was a loving "Papa" to his seven grandchildren, T.J. Van Ness, Logan Van Ness, Noah Van Ness, Jordan Van Ness, Coleton Powers, Jaden Powers, and Zoe Berkemann.  Surviving also are a brother, Robert M. (Doris) Berkemann of Aurora, IL and a sister, Marilyn K. (Richard) Trame of Lebanon, IL.  He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, or to the donor's choice.

Visitation:  Thursday, June 20, 2013, from 4:00-8:00 pm, at Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL, and Friday, June 21, 2013, from 9:00-10:00 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral Service:  Friday, June 21, 2013, at 10:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Clergy:  Rev Dr Donald Wagner, Pastor.

Interment:  College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

Meyer Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL