Jack Edward Berry Jr.

Jack E. Berry Jr., 61, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 26, 2012.

Jack was born in Chicago, IL, to Jack E. Sr. and Dorothy (nee: Roush) Berry on April 27, 1950. He lived in Racine for 13 years. While Jack was dating his future wife, he learned enough Danish to ask her to marry him, proposing to her at their favorite restaurant, Helen & Craig’s Bistro. Jack married Helle Koustrup at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on October 7, 2000.

Jack earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts from Loop Jr. College. He was a van driver in the expediting industry and worked most of his life in the freight industry. Jack was blessed with a wonderful voice and also did voice work with radio at the Fish 105.3.

Jack was an active member of Racine Assembly of God. He volunteered as a greeter and was involved in the Royal Family Kids Camp. Because of his special voice, he was also a reader and narrator for plays held at the church. He was a longtime member of Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Jack was a leader in making his own fuel. He made his own biodiesel fuel and had many articles written about him and his biodiesel. Jack was not a follower by any means. He did not follow the natural order of the “to does” because he was a “Jack of all trades.”

Jack will be dearly missed by his wife, Helle; his children, Gregory E. Berry, William R. Berry and Carl K. Wilcox; his mother, Dorothy Berry; his first wife and continued friend, Mary Berry; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack E. Sr.

Jack’s noble wishes were to have his body donated to ALS Research at Northwestern University and to be cremated. A memorial service at Racine Assembly of God will be planned for sometime in late June or early July 2012. In honor of Jack, memorials may be sent to the Les Turner Foundation of Chicago, IL; 5550 W Touhy Ave #302 Skokie, IL 60077 - (847) 679-3311.

“Helle Berry and family would like give a special thank you to the ALS Community for their donation of time and access to equipment, to Todd and Kristen Neva for connecting them to the ALS Community, to the generous SCJ supply chain for their donations made and to the expediting community for their emotional and financial support.”

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-262-634-3361