VINTON - M. D. Berry, age 85 of Vinton died Monday, June 2, 2008 at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls following an extended illness. 
     Memorial Services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, June 5, 2008 at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton with Pastor Ronald Sumption officiating.  Friends may register from 10 AM until service time.  Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.     
     M. D. is survived by his wife, Helen of Vinton; his son, John M. Berry and wife Mary of Vinton; his daughters, Cynthia L. Russo and husband, William of Olathe, KS, Laurie E. Berry of Minnetonka, MN; his brother, William J. Berry and wife, Patricia, of  Silver Bay, MN; six grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his son, Bruce L. Berry and his sister, Betty J. Berry.
     M.D. was born in Vinton on April 30, 1923 to the late Lloyd L. and Gladys L. (Rice) Berry.  He was drafted soon after graduating from Vinton High School in 1941 and during World War II he served with the Army Combat Engineers in Italy, France and Germany attaining the rank of First Sergeant.  Upon his honorable discharge in 1945 he married Helen I. Eggleston and settled in Vinton.
     During his life in the Vinton Community he was the Director of Public Works and City Clerk for the City of Vinton; Director of Business Affairs and Secretary - Treasurer for the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School for 25 years, retiring in 1988.  Marsh served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and on various Boards for the Benton County Selective Service System, Vinton Youth Planning and the Vinton Public Library.  He was a charter member of ACT I (Area Community Theatre) and enjoyed being a cast member in several of the theatre's productions.  Woodworking and refinishing antiques helped to fill his leisure hours.
     Memorial Contribution may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Presbyterian Church in Vinton.