Paul was born on October 27th, 1948 to Harry and Joan Berry, and was the
oldest of five siblings. He grew up on a farm near Madrid, IA where he
was involved in 4H club and Boy Scouts of America. Paul graduated from
Madrid High School in 1966, and then joined the Navy where he served as
corpsman until 1970. He served in the Vietnam war from 1968-1969.
He attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing from 1971 to 1973. Where he
began his nursing career at Mercy Hospital from 1973 to 1975 before he
re-enlisted in the Navy Nurse Corps. In the following years he served in
Navy hospitals all over the world. While in the service, he went on to
gain his Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1987, where he graduated
from University of Florida. He was a fan of football and loved his alma
mater, the Florida Gators and the Green Bay Packers. He was retired from
the US Navy on October 22nd, 1991, having achieved the rank of
Lieutenant. He was very proud of his time in the service, helping
soldiers and being a leader to them.
At Living History Farms in 1994 Paul married Pat, making their home in
Urbandale, Iowa and blending their families together. He was a Boy Scout
Leader and had earned his Wood badge. He spent his free time supporting
his children, by attending soccer games, ballet recitals, and Boy Scout
camping trips. After his retirement from the Navy, Paul worked at Heart
and Vascular Care as a registered nurse. He took a Health Facility
Surveyor position for the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals in
1996. He fully retired in 2001 and finally had the time to continue with
his hobby of wood working. He spent his days trying to win the lotto,
"kicking tires," and explore the world around him. He enjoyed outdoor
photography and made many trips across the country taking photos of
everything from Yellowstone to the Arches National Park. He enjoyed
camping and was an active member of the Heart of Hawkeye Good Sam
Camping Club. He also enjoyed camping at the Iowa State Fair every year.
He won several ribbons in woodworking at the Iowa State Fair. Paul was a
member of the South Gate Masonic Lodge for many years. He was also a
member of American Legion post 0663 in Urbandale. One of his favorite
things in life was the time he spent with his children, six
grandchildren, and following his wife, Pat, at the Iowa State Fair.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Pat, son Scott Berry of Kansas City,
MO, son Robby Hatch (fiance Kyra Husen and daughter Norah) of Des
Moines, IA, and daughter Sarah Brunney (husband Robert and children
Hailey, Robert, Samantha, Alexis, and Kyra) of Fort Rucker, AL, brothers
David (Georgette) Berry of Tucson, AZ, Alan (Brenda) Berry of Tucson,
AZ, Carl (Kimberly) Berry of Portsmouth, VA, and sister Joyce (Berry)
Christianson of Madrid, IA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and
friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Joan Berry.