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Jeffrey Berke Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Berke
John Militante
February 21, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family.
Jeff an I attended grade school together at LeMoyne
What a nice guy. He will be miss by many
John Skip Militante
Marie " Gus" Gustafson
February 20, 2024
So many great memories from all the grade school shows, nursing home performances, Holiday shows, and musicals ( Music Man 1984 Pajama Game 1985, South Pacific 1986)
I sat with him as Student Director taking down notes and realized how much involved in a Production! & his coaching from the back of Slocum Hall... "Articulation & Pronunciation" !!!!
John Skip Militante
January 10, 2024
Was able to know Jeff from LeMoyne grade school in Chicago. Great memories and sad of his pasting last year.
John"Skip"Militante
John Skip Militante
October 9, 2023
Jeff and me were in same grade school. Great guy. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be remembered
Marshall Alumni Brunch Club
January 27, 2022
Several members of the group were in the plays, classes, and Marshall News and Yearbook Review with Mr. Berkeley. He was a great teacher and an exceptional human being. He didn´t look at our color, He treated us all with respect and pushed us to go after our dreams! I can truly say that he loved all of us. He took time with us and introduced the world to us. We were his first Jeff´s Kids. Heaven definitely gained an angel.
Ida M. O'Neal-Reed
January 23, 2022
Condolences to the family
Fran Bruni
January 22, 2022
Dear Sharon and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jeff´s death. Thinking of you and sending a hug.
Nicholas Rubio
January 19, 2022
Teacher, Director, Coach, Mentor, Friend
The First time ever on stage you put be there.
The first time I gave a speech you coached me to give it.
I studied Theater in College because you lite a spark
I became a teacher because I want to do for other what you had done for me.
It was a Honor to be your Assistant Director
It was a Honor to be your Assistant Coach
Above all I will always cherish you as my friend
In the end the only words left -
THANK YOU
Michelle Thornton Morris
January 18, 2022
My condolences to the family. Mr. Berke was my English teacher my senior year at Marshall High School. He was the reason I went into teaching. RIP Mr. Berke
January 18, 2022
Mr.Berke was an exceptional person! He gave 200 % in everything he did! He was my Honors English teacher as well as the Phenomenal Drama Director at Schurz. We are all so lucky to have had such a dedicated and talented teacher at Schurz. He will be missed.
Gina Cannella (Herula) Class of 1976
Ethelene A Boyd
January 18, 2022
On behalf of The John Marshall High School Drama Club where Mr. Jeffrey S. BERKE sponsored, taught and directed, along with JoAnn Russel and George O´Grady, They truly made a lasting impression and a huge difference in our lives. High Regards and Deep Affection from the student body to the BERKE Family.
Ethelene Boyd, former President of The John Marshall High School Drama Club; Class of 68.
Bruno M Wells
January 17, 2022
I was a students of Mr. Burke at John Marshall H.S. from 1964-1968. He was one of The instructors that left a lasting impression on my life. Mr. Burke cared about his students.
Ron Zagorski
January 17, 2022
I had the privilege of knowing Jeff for almost 40 years. We both were teachers at Schurz High School. I remember he helped get a couple students to record our baseball teams City Championship game at Wrigley Field. He found out I was a percussionist, and when doing one of his musicals, needed one. He asked if I could do it. I did, and then 17 more. We became golf partners, usually playing twice a week for well over 20 years. It was an honor to do the musicals for him and "his kids". His contributions to Schurz, and to all of those students, is beyond words. He will be missed by so many. My sincere condolences to his wonderful wife Sharon, and the rest of his family.
Claudette M (Crenshaw) Ogletree
January 17, 2022
I knew Mr. Berke from Marshall HS (class of 1968). He wasn't my teacher but everyone knew him. His presence was large and especially because of the school's fantastic plays that Mr. Berke directed and produced. He truly is a Commando 4 LIfe. Rest Easy Mr Berke and God bless.
The attached photo is from the JMHS 1966 Yearbook Mr. Berke (director) and Ms. Russell (co-director) of the drama group. The statement above the photo exemplifies the passion these two educators had for acting, teaching and their students. Love you both.
Jacqueline Harris
January 17, 2022
My Graduation day from John Marshall class 1969, would not have happened without his Drama class. Often wondered about him, and now I can say, Rest In Peace or better yet Break a leg!
Clem (McGee) Smith
January 17, 2022
My first English teacher at Marshall HS. Many great memories from 1962-66. May Mr. Berke RIP.
Sandra Anne Williams
January 17, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Dr. Ron Cox
January 16, 2022
I had the privilege of working with Jeff for a few years and and was very impressed with his work and his impact on students. What a great teacher and human being!
JoAnn Davidson
January 16, 2022
I´m sorry to hear of Mr. Berke passing.
He made learning and drama class interesting and fun.
He was a good and dedicated teacher.
Thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Sharon Cohen
January 16, 2022
Jeff made the world a better place for so many. I am proud and privileged to have been his friend for 45 years. He inspired so many students and gave voice to those who would otherwise have gone unheard. As a fellow teacher at Schurz High School, we shared many stories, experiences and a good amount of laughs. It was always so heartwarming to see the bond that existed between Jeff and "his kids." On a more personal note, I will treasure the wonderful memories that were made with my friend. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to Sharon and his family.
Denise R. Irwin
January 16, 2022
My heart goes out to the Berke family. It was an honor to know your husband and father. He was a great teacher and person. He filled hearts if many. He will be missed dearly. Goid- bye
Mr. Berke you were truly a great teacher, mentor, friend,. Your student. Denise R. Irwin.
Peter Kempfer
January 16, 2022
I worked with Jeff and the Schurz Players in the late 1960s and early 70s including on his first production, "Fiddler on the Roof". Jeff was extremely dedicated to the drama group and a committed English teacher as well as a good friend of mine. Many happy memories. My condolences to his family.
Sandy Chaet
January 16, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the family.Prayers are with you
Angela Peterson
January 15, 2022
Angela Peterson
January 15, 2022
Angela Peterson
January 15, 2022
Until we meet again old pal.
- Ditzer
Rhoda Livingston
January 15, 2022
Will miss the chair throwing cross the stage. And letting me be in my first as a freshman.
Laura Maier-Leist
January 15, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you Sharon for the loss of dear Jeff.He was such a dear and sweet person as well as very funny.He touched so many lives and I´m so honored that I was one of his drama kids.May his memory carry on for all of us.
Kathleen Disviscour DiBenedetto
January 15, 2022
Jeff gave freely of his time and energy to positively impact Chicago HS students. He made jocks love theater, gave theater enthusiasts the chance to live their passion, and created an "after school home" to many who benefitted from the community of the Schurz Players. He wasn´t perfect, but he gave more time, sweat and tears to positively impacting the lives of his students than any other teacher and we are all better for it. His legacy will live on with his former students and their children. I wish his family peace and wonderful memories to soften the pain of his loss. Much love, Kathleen
Laura Altergott (Wunderlich)
January 15, 2022
My deepest sympathies to his family. Jeff Berke was such a dedicated man. He was there for so many of us. He helped so many of us to become more open to expressing ourselves, to not be shy when speaking in public, to face our fears. He always expected the best from us.
James Janus
January 15, 2022
Rest in peace Mr.Berke. Great Man, I was in three plays at Schurz High School , Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, The Music Man , It was a a Honor to Know him ! Fly High!
Harriet Pergande
January 15, 2022
My heartfelt Sympathy dear Sharon Rosen Berke and all your family.
Glenn Lind
January 14, 2022
Thank you Jeff, I am grateful to have been your student.
My Fair Lady 1983
The Music Man 1984.
Paul Karafiol
January 14, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm principal of Lake View High School, and I thought you might appreciate this memory of Jeff from his HS yearbook.
Michael Morrisroe
January 14, 2022
My accept my deepest sympathies. Jeff was a great man and I enjoyed our times at Medinah together.
Sr. Rosemary & the Residents of Misericordia Home
January 13, 2022
Our sympathy and special prayers for Jeff and all his family and friends.
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