| Graduation Year | Class of 1945 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 17, 2011 |
| About | Donald P. Berkemeier age 83, of Rushville, passed away peacefully September 17, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis following a sudden stroke. Donald was born in Rush County March 5, 1928, the son of the late Louis & Alvina (Kramer) Berkemeier. He was a 1945 graduate of Rushville High and served honorably in the US Army stationed in Germany. He married his love Mabel Palmer May 12, 1951 and she survives. He was the owner of a farm supply company but also drove a truck and farmed through his life. He and Mabel were co-founders of the RCHS Athletic Booster organization. He was a longtime volunteer for the schools as a referee, umpire & official. He ran the football "chain gang" many years. His memberships include the Elks Lodge 1307 and St. Mary Catholic Church. He had been active in many community & civic organizations throughout his life. Survivors include his wife of 60 years Mabel of Rushville their children David (Mary Beth) of Elwood, IN, Douglas (Sheryl) of Homer, Gary, Greg (Kim) & Susan (Gary) Jones all of Rushville; sister Joan Martz of Lebanon, OH; maternal aunt Angela Wolter of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren Angie, Amy, Ryan, Bradley, Chad, Jay, Jeff, Brenna, Adam, Katie, Kyle & Jonathon; great grandchildren Claire, Drew, Maggie, Joe, Aundrea, Josephine, Rhianna, Bryce, Keegan & Ella. Preceding him in death are one brother Bob, one grandchild Keith & one great grandchild Kara. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM Wednesday, September 21st, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Rushville with Rev. Jeremy Gries officiating. Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 8PM at Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory. Friends and family are invited to recite the rosary at 2:45PM on Tuesday. The Elks Lodge 1307 will hold a memorial service later at 8PM at the Funeral Centre. Memorials may be made to the Rush County Community Foundation (fund of choice) 117 N. Main Rushville, IN 46173 or the American Cancer Society. Following cremation, burial will follow at Rushville's Calvary Cemetery at a later date. |
