- Edward (Eddie) D. Van Berkel, Combined Locks, 83, entered eternal life surrounded by family at his home Friday Aug. 1, 2008. He was born in Little Chute on April 27, 1925, to George and Mabel (La Boeuf) Van Berkel. His parents passed away when Eddie was very young. He was then taken in, raised and loved by Tecla and Carl Hassman. For many years he helped out at the family's S & H Drug Store on Main Street in Little Chute. Ed served his country as a Navy medic assigned to the Marines in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return from war, Ed and Marion "Patti" Pack were wed on Aug. 5, 1947, at St. Mary Church in Menasha. Together, they started their family, while Ed attended Lawrence University obtaining a degree in English. Ed worked as a reporter for the Appleton Post-Crescent covering the Heart of the Valley beat and writing feature articles. Ed retired in 1987 after 34 years. Together, Ed and Patti raised six sons, the source of many adventures and stories over the years. Patti preceded him in death on July 25, 1978.
Ed married Teresa Seroogy on May 18, 1979, at St. John Nepomucene in Little Chute. They were blessed to have 29 good years together, during which they have been an important fixture at St. Paul Parish, Combined Locks. She brought great joy and warmth to his life, helping raise his youngest son and graciously assuming the title "Grandma Terry." Theirs was a union of two large loving families. Ed was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, the Quarter Century Club at the Post Crescent and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and St. Joe's food pantry. He enjoyed playing cards with his Tuesday Sheephead buddies, doing crosswords in ink, and was an avid feeder and observer of the birds in his yard. Eddie was a voracious reader and really loved to cook. He liked to golf with his friends and family and was proud to have garnered his coveted hole in one. Dad was a dedicated armchair assistant coach for the Brewers and the Packers. Dad has moved on to pursue other interests after the recent series sweep by the Cubs and the Favre fiasco.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 29 years, Teresa; his six sons, Paul (Linda), Kaukauna; Joe (Linda Foster), Baraboo; Tom (Mary), Roseville, Minn.; Daniel (Marion), Darboy; Bill (Lynn), Little Chute and Doug (Judy), Wisconsin Rapids; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Wally Van Berkel, Bette (Duane) Williams and Maggie Dishno; sisters and brothers-in-law, Josie Williams, Bob (Lu) Seroogy, Tom (Bev) Seroogy, Fran (Jane) Seroogy, Jack (Jean) Seroogy, Jill (Peter) Geniesse, George Esler, and Robert (Betty) Pack. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Eddie was also preceded in death by the Hassmans; his sister, Betty Esler and in-laws, Mary Van Berkel, Jerry Williams, George Seroogy Jr., Anna Mae Sylvester, Donald (Grace and Joyce) Pack and Rita Monroe.
Visitation will begin Tuesday Aug. 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 5 p.m. at St. Paul Parish (410 Wallace Street, Combined Locks). Military rites performed by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will follow immediately. Committal will be at the Holy Name Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL SERVICES
2020 E. Main Street
Little Chute 920-759-2951
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1925 - 2008 (83 years)
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