Norman Berti
A most honored man left this earthly home to join his father in paradise. He was a man—not just any man—a very special man that has raised the bar of integrity, honesty, faithfulness and generosity to follow in his stead.
He was raised on Birds Eye View, north of Sullivan. He milked 19 cows before and after running to Sullivan School and back, plus other chores.
Norman’s dad and mother, Marion and Adele, had immigrated from Modini, Italy to the United States in their teens; Adele having given birth to a baby boy on the ocean on the 4th of July. They came through Ellis Island. The little family settled in Ankeny, IA before coming to Sullivan where they remained throughout their lives. Adele and Marion were parents to eight children; Norman being the fifth.
When he was 18 years old, he enlisted in the Armed Services. He held the rank of Sergeant in the 29th Infantry. He was among fellow soldiers that invaded Normandy in France in WWII. During combat, he was severely injured by a hand grenade. He suffered a severe leg injury, underwent 22 surgeries and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Returning home to Sullivan, he found the girl of his dreams. He told his sister, Vera, how beautiful she was. Years ago, there were dances at the city hall and he had seen her dancing. He was quite shy, but became acquainted with her and their love story began. The two of them became quite good at dancing and loved dancing always. They married and together with their three children, Deanne, Dick and Damon, lived their entire life in Sullivan.
Norman was in carpentry and was expert at finish work, refinishing metal doors to look like wood, wallpaper, and a painter.
The Methodist Church was a major part of his life, which at the time he was the oldest lifetime member. He had a rich, strong, magnificent singing voice. He had a major part in “apple butter” time in the fall, stirring apple butter from dawn to dusk.
He was a wonderful example all his life to his children. A very dedicated man who always showed up in the good times and bad. He was a major part of the family, following his grandchildren’s accomplishments in sports and entertainment. They always knew he was in the audience.
He was jolly and his laughter was infectious. Always a delight to be with, his friends sought him out to brighten their day.
After he lost his wife, Nadine, in January 2000, he busied himself with family and church matters, helping the quilting ladies, his Hardee’s group, and summer bumper tomato crops, and buzzing around town in his little black pickup. Norman Ellis Berti passed over to eternal life on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.
Mourning their loss and celebrating his life, he leaves his sister, Vera Jane Bell. He had three children, Deanne Berti, Dick and his wife, Judy, Damon and his wife, Mary Jo. Thirteen grandchildren, Christy, Brad, Burke, and Nicole, Kathy, Tonya, Kelly, Kim, Michael and Kevin, Tony, Justine and B.J.
Twenty-nine great-grandchildren, Joshua Joggerst, Devon Johanning, Alex and Justin Cash, Samantha and Jesse Cash, Jamie Halmick, Nathan Biggs, Derek and Dustin King, Billy, Betsy and Jett Bouckaert, Damon, Austin and Justin Berti, Cody Reeves, Brooke Bartolotta, Corey Phaff, Shea Nadine Daniels, Quincy, Sydni and Sam Stringer, Korin Strehl, Kory Johanning, Ali Jenkins, Garrett and Mason Blum, Sean and Kaylea Lawson, Hannah and Brandon Aggus.
Eleven great-great-grandchildren, Luke Ryan, Piper Sykes, Riley Biggs, Molli King, Rylee Cash, Kellsey, Kane and Korbin Strehl, Ashley and Emily Halmick and Kylea Lawson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Adele Berti; wife, Nadine Anna Schmidt Berti; brothers, Victor, Bryan, Lewis and Fred; sisters, Lena Krist and Norma Carolla; and one great-granddaughter, Baby Daniels.
We are all thankful to be a part of this wonderful man’s life.
Norman, we know you are galloping on vast green plains on Black Jack and dancing and laughing with your “Nadine Honey” among the stars.
Godspeed on your incredible journey.
A memorial service was held in his honor at Eaton Funeral Home on Sunday, September 20, 2009. Graveside services were held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at the Schmidt Family Cemetery.