By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
6 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, December 13, 2024

    4:00 to 8:30 pm

    Saturday, December 14, 2024

    9:00 to 10:30 am

    St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Saturday, December 14, 2024

    10:30 am

    St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

  • Full Obituary

    David L. Berberich, 83, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at his home in Lebanon, IL.

    He was born on October 10, 1941, on the family farm in Mascoutah Township, IL, to Matt and Estella (nee Kebel) Berberich. On November 9, 1963, he married Donaleen “Dona” Travous in Belleville, IL.

    David grew up on a farm in Mascoutah, IL, graduating from Mascoutah High School in 1961. He got drafted into the United States Army in 1965 and served 2 years in Germany. David was a carpenter for 46 years, was a member of the Lebanon Fire Department for 30 years, retiring as Fire Chief, and an active member of the Lebanon Singers Society.

    David loved farming, golfing, and fishing; often taking fishing trips to Minnesota with his family. He also liked spending time with his friends; a lot of whom affectionately referred to him as “Chief”. David was a hard worker, a dedicated member of the fire department, and would always help others when he could.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Estella Berberich; siblings, Bobby Berberich, Pearl Berberich, Donald Berberich, Allen Berberich; and nephew, Tom Berberich.

    David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donaleen “Dona” (nee Travous) Berberich; sons, Matthew (fiancé, Vanessa Bryant) Berberich and Andrew Berberich; grandchildren, Cory (fiancé, Halle Douglass) Berberich and Casey (Drew) Kowalski; brother, Marvin Berberich; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends.

    Memorial donations may be made to the Lebanon Fire Department or St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, IL.

    Visitation: Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30 am, at St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

    Funeral Service: Saturday, December 14, 2024, 10:30 am, at St. Paul UCC, Lebanon, IL

    Clergy: Rev. Josiah Accola, Pastor

    Interment: College Hill Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

6 Condolences
 
  1. Dewey Spencer / December 11, 2024 at 3:25 pm

    So sad to learn about David passing. We would only meet at Travous/Schaefer Reunions and I will tell you he sure knew how to fry catfish. Always a nice, kinda quiet, guy. May God’s blessings and mine go out to Dona, Matt, Andy and grandchildren. From your Southern cousin, Dewey Spencer

  2. Sue Norbury / December 11, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. May he be at Peace in Our Lord and Saviour.

  3. Marjorie S Goff / December 11, 2024 at 6:55 pm

    So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Praying for Dona, Matt, Andy, Cory and Casey and all of family at this sad time. Jimmy and Marjorie Goff Bella Vista, AR.

  4. Chuck DeLorme / December 12, 2024 at 11:19 am

    Donna, Matt & Andy, I’m so sorry to hear of your David’s passing. I know your grief and sadness at losing someone so close to you. Sue and I will keep your family in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time and especially during the Christmas season. Your faith in God will always comfort you at times like this. My prayer is always for good memories and shared experiences as you celebrate your David’s life especially as a father, husband and grandfather. May God bring you many Blessing during this season as you remember your dear David.

  5. Toni Hoehner / December 12, 2024 at 11:55 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about David. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. Becky Rehberger / December 19, 2024 at 11:54 am

    Dona,
    We did not learn of Dave’s passing until after his services. Actually, Dennis Schulte told Johnny. Reading Dave’s Obituary, Dave had a very good life. We always wish for more time, but Dave lived his time here on earth to the fullest. Take comfort in knowing he was able to pass at home and he has now joined his family that have gone before him.
    I noticed, we have not seen him driving past our place, heading out to the visit his nephews on the farm. Now we know why!

    Andy and Matt,
    Our sympathy at the loss of your dad. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. There will be times you just wish you could have had one more conversation with Dave. You still can talk with him; the answers just aren’t the same. Trust me it is very comforting to talk with your dad, when you need some time with him or just some good ole TLC. Be there for MOM! Take this time to talk with her so everything you wish to know or say can be accomplished in person with her.

    No offense to your profession Andy but people like to pass at home not hospitals.
    This Christmas will be hard but take comfort in knowing Dad left you in his own way not by tubes and machines hooked to him. He passed at home and maybe even with his family nearby. We lost my dad, Omar, on Christmas Eve, but Dad was so happy and content to pass at his home that he left with a smile on his face as he headed to heaven! We comfort ourselves that dad went to heaven when God sent his Son to us here on earth.

    May GOD be with you all through this challenging time!

    With Sympathy,
    Becky Rehberger, Johnny and Preston Knobeloch

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