Franzi Berry

Franzi Berry, 89, of Danville, passed away on October 10, 2009 at her daughters residence with her loving family at her side. Franzi was born December 27, 1919 in Germany, daughter of George and Franziska Lautenschlager Eppich. They preceded her in death. She married Jasper Berry on November 27, 1954 in Germany. He also preceded her in death on March 30, 1996. Survivors include her two daughters: Karen (Tony Dunham) Welsch, and Mary Jane Eller both of Danville; sister: Resie Behlmer of Germany; four grandchildren: Devin (Shane) Merritt, Haley (Jason) Billingsley, Hilary (Matt Morrison) Welsch, and Hanna Welsch; six great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Colin, Mason, Cameron, Ethan, and a baby girl due in January. She also had a special, lifelong friend of 40 years, Billie ONeal. She was a devoted wife for 43 years. After retiring from the military, she and Jasper moved to Danville. She worked as an in-home health care provider and was a loving and dedicated homemaker and mother. Franzi enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing bingo, playing canasta, and her favorite German board game Mensch argere Dich nicht. She also loved to cook. Many of our cherished memories were holidays at her dinner table. She was always willing to listen and advise people with her remarkable wisdom. She had a heart of gold and put everyone before herself. She had an incredible sense of humor and there was never a dull moment when she was around. She had a way of making every unhappy situation happy. She was the best role model, Mother, and Grandmother anyone could ever hope for. Everyone who met her loved her, and she will be deeply, deeply missed by us all. A Celebration of Franzis Life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 16, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL with Pastor Dave Leary officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com