Robert Warren "Bob" Berry — Preston

Robert Warren "Bob" Berry, 84, of Preston, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at the Harmony Community Healthcare after a one month illness.

Bob was born Oct. 6, 1928, in St. Paul, the son of Lloyd G. and Margaret (Withee) Berry. He was a 1946 graduate of Preston High School and following graduation, attended Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. He worked for Preston Oil Products (P.O.P.), his father's business, until his induction into the armed services in 1951. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War until his discharge in 1953 when he returned to Preston to work at the P.O.P. He married Jeanine Carol Hillestad, of Lanesboro, on May 16, 1953, in Lanesboro. The couple made their home in Preston where Bob eventually purchased the P.O.P. until selling the business in 1977. Following the sale, he worked for Anderson Chevrolet, the Preston Liquor Store, Fillmore County Fairgrounds and "chauffeured" his wife, Jean, around with her Avon products. He also volunteered with his wife, Jean, at the Fillmore County Historical Society in Fountain.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, family, travel trips, model railroading, tinkering in his garage and spending time with his grandchildren and many pets. He also could be seen cruising the streets of Preston in his golf cart.

He is survived by two sons, Mark (Nancy) Berry and Steve Berry, all of Preston; two grandchildren, Mitchel (Brayonna) Berry, of Chatfield, and Mara Berry, of Preston; one great-granddaughter, Paisley Jo, of Chatfield; many nieces and nephews from the Jones and Decker families; and extended family members, Dave and Chess Johnson, of Pine Island, Bruce and Laurie Horner, of Inver Grove Heights, Andy and Maggie Walsh, of Preston, and Brian Vicklun, of Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Jean; and his sister, Louise Decker.

A prayer service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston, with the Rev. Michael Smith officiating. Burial of his cremated remains will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 12 p.m. until the time of service.

Online condolences can be made at thauwaldfuneralhomes.com .