Edwin Clark Berry Sr.

Edwin "Ed" C. Berry, Sr., 86, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on May 30, 2025, in his home surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd). Ed will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at a private graveside service at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

He was born on July 27, 1938, in Sparkman, Arkansas, to G.C. and Mary Berry.

Ed graduated from Karnak High School in Karnak, Texas, in 1956 and served honorably in the United States Coast Guard for four years. After his service, he pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where he earned both his B.S. and M.S. in Entomology, later completing his Ph.D. at Iowa State University.

Following his graduation, Ed embarked on a distinguished career as a Research Entomologist with USDA-ARS, where he dedicated much of his work to soil conservation and pest management. For the majority of his career, he was based at the Ankeny Research Farm, and he later concluded his career at the National Soil Tilth Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, studying the benefits of earthworms on soil conservation.

A lifelong lover of nature, Ed had a special bond with his bird dogs, nurturing their natural abilities and helping them overcome challenges. He found immense joy in working with gun-shy dogs, bringing them back to the joys of hunting. He also had a passion for sailing and kayaking, spending many peaceful hours on the water.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, G.C. and Mary Berry; his sister, Ellamy (Berry) Blackwell; and his daughter, Melissa Berry. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Julie Berry, of Ankeny; his sons, Ed Jr. (Jo) Berry and Shane (Jessica) Berry, both of Ankeny; his daughters, Suzanne (Jason) Rosonke of Urbandale and Shannon (Brent) Miltner of Eagan, MN; his grandchildren, Dena Berry, Cheyenne Berry, Kacey Berry, Lucy Berry, MaKenna Rosonke, Natalie Rosonke, Adalynn Miltner, and Bode Buntin; and five great-grandchildren.

Ed's legacy lives on through his family, his work, and his love for the outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Easter Seals of Iowa.