Keith R. Berkey

Keith R. Berkey, age 72 of Elkhart, passed away at Franciscan Health  in West Lafayette, Indiana on July 8, 2018.  Keith was born in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Roland and Dorothy (Vance) Berkey on September 19, 1945.  He was a graduate of Penn High School, class of 1964 and then attended Purdue University before being drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War.  He served his country honorably and earned both the Purple Heart and Silver Star during his tour of Vietnam before his discharge in 1969.

Surviving are his sons Gavin (Elizabeth) Berkey of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Ryan (Chastity) Berkey of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, his grandchildren Elena, Sandra, Justin and Hadley Berkey and his sister Sharon Berkey of Anchorage, Alaska.   Keith is also survived by his lifelong companion Joan Berkey of Elkhart, his step son Kenneth Orem Jr., 4 step grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Doris and Jay Berkey and his step daughter Stacy Goodman.

Memorial visitation will be held from 2-4 pm Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola and a celebration of Keith’s life and Military Honors will follow at 4pm.  He will be laid to rest at a later date.

Keith was employed in the Michiana area for many years as a car salesman where he earned numerous “Salesman of the Month” awards for his outstanding customer service and owned his own car lot in Osceola for several years.

During his years at Penn High School, Keith set the all-time career scoring record for basketball; a record that has stood since 1964.  He was a kind-hearted man and put the needs of his family and others before his own.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf with his sons, cards with his friends, and watching all types of sports on television.

In his memory, donations may be made to the Faith Mission in Elkhart.  To share a memory or leave condolences for the Berkey family, please follow the links provided on the "tribute wall" tab above.