Thomas E. Berry, 73

Thomas E. Berry, 73, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.  Tom was born July 26, 1947, in Mason City, Iowa, to Joseph E. and Mildred (Van Every) Berry.

Tom graduated from Hampton High School in 1965. He was united in marriage to Linda Varrelmann in Latimer, Iowa, on April 29, 1972.  Tom served his country in the United States Army.  He worked at Northwestern Bell, US West, and Qwest from 1971 to 2002.  After retirement, he worked part-time in maintenance at Sukup Manufacturing Company and Ridgestone golf course in Sheffield, and then he became the Director of the Franklin County Veterans Affairs in Hampton.

A tribute written by a former neighbor in Tom’s honor summed up how Tom lived his life: as a selfless individual who was never short on advice or a story. “COVID can’t take away a lifetime of memories and teachings I received from Tom.” That was Tom!

Tom used his compassion and understanding to help military veterans in the area and saw them as his extended family. He took pride in his dedication to all the veterans and made sure everyone was treated well and got what they needed. 

Tom’s love of sports and the love of his family often overlapped. A lifelong supporter of the New York Yankees and the Iowa Hawkeyes, Tom passed his love of knowledge and sports on to his children and eventually his grandchildren. He spent many nights and traveled many miles to watch his beloved grandchildren participate in sports. 

Tom never hesitated to help anyone and volunteered whenever needed. He kept himself busy but never too busy to exchange golf stories or talk about the next Yankees’ game. Tom’s willingness to serve others, support his family and chat with whoever wanted to have a conversation will be sorely missed. 

Tom is survived by his wife Linda of Hampton, son Steve (Rhonda) Berry of West Branch, grandchildren Blake Heikes of Urbandale, Drake Berry of West Branch, Taylan Healey of Hampton, and Grace Healey of Hampton, son-in-law Daryl Healey of Hampton, brother-in-law Giles (Deb) Varrelmann of Hampton and nieces and nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jennifer Healey and two brothers Mike and Pat Berry.

The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton assisted the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to PO Box 152, Hamton, Iowa 50441.