FRANK J. BERKES

1956 - 2011

Frank J. Berkes, 54, of Maple Park, claimed the promise of his Savior when he passed away unexpectedly at his home, Sunday, May 8, 2011. Frank was born with a spirit to meet every challenge and overcome all odds on May 21, 1956, in DeKalb, the son of Fred and Darlene (Davis) Berkes. Frank was born prematurely with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. Not much was known about his affliction in those early days and expectations were few. Little did they know how special Frank would be and how hard he would fight to exceed all expectations and amaze all of his doctors.
Frank grew up in Maple Park and attended local schools as well as Ray Graham School in DeKalb. He graduated from Kaneland High School in 1975. Following graduation, Frank continued to learn, not in a formal sense, but from those books that were recorded on audio tapes and records that were easier for Frank to use.
He lived with his mother and brother, Andy, helping to fill the home with love and memories.
Frank was an honored and respected board member of the Maple Park Library where he served as treasurer. He was a dedicated, faithful and life-long member of the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park.
In the "world's" eyes, Frank was a man who would never leave his wheel chair, never go to college and never hold a job. In reality, and for those who would come to know and love him, Frank was a man of God whose faith taught others how to be an instrument of His will. The "world" never thought Frank would see his teenage years. Instead, he filled 54 years as a living example how to live a life. Even though Frank needed a high level of care, he gave all he could, especially to his similarly affected younger brother, Andy. Frank sacrificed so that Andy could take advantage of other opportunities, and couldn't have been more proud of his brother.
Frank had the unique and God-given ability to be friends with anyone he met, regardless of their creed, color or station in life. Frank loved sports, especially his White Sox and Blackhawks, and was also known to watch the "ponies" from time to time. He also loved traveling, not only locally to his favorite spots, but also throughout the country, but only if he could take the "scenic route." His body may have been confined to a wheelchair but his spirit soared without limitations. That legacy of love is what he now leaves as an example to others of how to live beyond the "worlds" expectations.
He is survived by his mother, Darlene; two brothers, Andy Berkes of Maple Park and Edward (Patricia) Berkes of Spooner, Wis.; his godmother, Evelyn Yagen of Virgil, Ill.; and an untold number friends lucky enough to have known him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Berkes; and his grandparents, Jacob and Rose Berkes and Ralph, Clara and Edna Davis.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. with a rosary service to begin at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A Mass to celebrate his life will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Friday, May 13, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park. Fr. Godwin Asuquo, pastor of the church, will celebrate, and interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks can be made to the "Frank Berkes Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes can also be forwarded to the same address, or on the Web at www.ConleyCare.com.