Jean Berry

Jean L. Berry, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Saturday , April 30, 2005 at her home with her family. She was born on October 2, 1922 in Topeka, the daughter of Floyd B. and Aileen McPhail Burkhardt. She graduated from Washburn High School in 1940. She attended Washburn University. Jean had many occupations during her life, but her most cherished was being a mother. She married Karl A. Luetje on August 6, 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX. They were divorced. She married Ralph E. Berry on December 1, 1954 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on May 30, 1983. She was preceded in death by one son, Dana E. Berry and one grandson, Karl W. Luetje. Survivors include three sons, Kent Luetje of Quincy, Florida, Bruce Luetje of Topeka, Kevin Berry of Sugar Land, TX, two daughters, Kaaren Jones of Tecumseh, Sarah Weishaar of Meriden, twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one step-son, Bob Berry of Scranton, two step-daughters, Margie Hogan of Auburn, Marilee Orton of Tuscon, Arizona, fourteen step-grandchildren, twenty-one step-great-grandchildren and one brother, Dr. Harold Burkhardt of San Antonio, TX.. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Helping Hands Humane Society , 2625 N.W. Rochester Rd., Topeka, Ks. 66617 or in honor of her granddaughter, Melissa, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 2810 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, Ks. 66614.