Michael Berry

MICHAEL "Mike" KENT BERRY, 67, of Ogallala, passed away on November 8, 2022, at the Ogallala Community Hospital, surrounded by family.

Mike was born August 23, 1955, in Ogallala to Myron Dwayne Berry and Beverly Jean Sneddeker. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1973.

Michael worked for Mike & Wendell TV and Appliance store until February of 1989 when he went to work as a refrigeration mechanic for the UPFE in North Platte. When North Platte shuttered much of its operations in 1997, Mike transferred to Pocatello, ID. He loved his time in Pocatello and immersed himself in the experience of mountain and outdoor life. Mike would eventually come back to his beloved hometown and return to work in North Platte in 2005, but his great love of the mountains remained with him always.

Mike was a mechanic through and through. In his younger years, he greatly enjoyed building drag cars with his brother, Robert. The two collaborated on a 68 Chevy Camaro that was their pride and joy. This passion continued by taking his grandkids to the Julesburg drag strip. He loved to ride his Harley and was a longtime member of the Christian Motorcycle Association. Mike was an unapologetic Husker fan through thick and thin.

Mike was a man of deep faith and had read the Bible cover to cover several times throughout his life. He greatly loved his grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, from fishing, hunting, and going to the gun range. One of his hobbies included fashioning knives from the antlers he'd get from hunting. Mike made several knives over the years, which are now family treasures. Many memories were made with his children and grandchildren processing deer, and was known for his secret deer jerky recipe. He was a member of the Muzzleloader Club and was a regular at the Rendezvous for many years, making Indian beaded jewelry and buckskin clothing, among other things.

Mike was a longtime and committed member of the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department, serving for 15 years. He made many wonderful friends who were like family. His heart was always for his community. Michael was a simple man that didn't want much and he was devoted to loving God and his family. He was selfless in many ways. Mike's faith was tested with many trials and tribulations, but he never gave up hope that God would deliver him from those difficult trials. On what would have been the twenty-first anniversary of his Mother's burial, God did just that. May he rest in God's peace.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at TA, Front Street, and many other local restaurants for treating Mike like family.

Mike was preceded in death by his mom, Beverly Jean Berry, and a brother, Robert Dwayne Berry.

Survivors include his father, Myron (Genice) Berry of Ogallala; sister, Shelli (Dennis) Eden of Omaha; children, Shane Berry (Kacey) of Omaha, Katy (Vince) Hoover of Ogallala, Christi (Andy) Koontz of Wichita, Schuyler (Lety) Berry of Wichita; seven grandchildren, Aubrianna Mckay Berry & Austin Bush of Ogallala, Adler & Averi Koontz of Wichita, Christian, Camron, & Caleb Berry of Wichita; nephew, David (Rachel) Berry of Wichita; along with many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Ogallala Volunteer Fire Department in Michael's memory, and anyone wishing to honor Michael's lifelong commitment to family and community, cards may all be directed to 1010 East 6th Street, Ogallala NE 69153. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Service details to honor Michael's life will be announced and held at a later date.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.