Michaelene I. Berk

Michaelene I. Berk
September 24, 1923 - April 7, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Michaelene I. Berk at the age of 99 at 10:38 p.m., Friday, April 7, 2023 in Franciscan Health - Michigan City, Indiana. She lived a long and fulfilling life, filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, with Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of service Thursday at the church. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, Indiana is handling arrangements.

Michaelene was born September 24, 1923, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Stanislaus and Antonette (Mankus) Guth. On May 29, 1954, in Michigan City, Indiana, she married Eugene J. Berk, who preceded her in death August 25, 1978.

Also preceded in death by one daughter, Elaine Moser; one sister, Norette Sadlowski; one brother, Henry Guth; and infant brother, Thaddeus Guth.

Surviving are three sons, Terry (Anne-Marie) Berk of Bloomington, Illinois and Kevin and Daniel Berk, both of Michigan City, Indiana; one daughter, Sue (Steve) Storey of Elkhart, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Amy (Bryan) Bitner, Jenni, Ryan, Alex (Kate), Kara, Nick, and Danielle Berk, and Andrew (Gina) and Austin Storey; and one great-grandchild due July.

She was a proud and stubborn woman who never backed down from a challenge. Her strength and determination inspired all who knew her. She was a devoted mother of five children who she raised with unwavering love and support. Her love extended beyond her children to her nine grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

Michaelene was a woman with many friends, and her infectious humor and spunky personality made her a favorite among all who knew her. She had a contagious laugh that filled a room and lifted the spirits of those around her.

One of her great passions was polka music, and she loved nothing more than getting up on the dance floor and moving to the beat. Her adventurous spirit and love for life always shone through when she danced, and it was a sight to behold. She adored the outdoors, regularly tending to her flowers beds and playing weekly card games at the senior center. Formerly, she was an avid bowler on different woman's leagues. A devout catholic and member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Michigan City. Michaelene worked for Burnham Glove Factory, Michigan City and later started working and retired from Sears (Marquette Mall) in catalog sales after seventeen years.

She was a true adventurer at heart, never afraid to try new things and explore new places. Her lust for life and her zest for living inspired all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to have known her. The most special thing to her was the company of her family and friends.

As we mourn the loss of our dear mother, grandmother, and friend, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched throughout her long and beautiful life. She will forever be remembered for her strength, her humor, and her unwavering spirit of adventure.

Contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 1506 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360 in remembrance of Michaelene I. Berk.

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