William Harold Berey Jr., age 94 of Manhattan, formerly of Country Club Hills, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026 at the Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno. Survived by his children William (Denise) Berey III, Nancy (Keith) Wingate, Penny (John) Herman, Michael (Candace) Berey, Cheryl (John) Korpus, Susan (Michael) Rotolo, 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, son-in-law Robert Geisler, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his dear wife Margaret (nee Brooks) Berey, his son Robert Berey (2023), parents William H. Berey, Sr. and Mildred R. (nee Stang) Berey, siblings Loretta (late Lloyde) Nelson, John (late Beverly) Boyer, Richard Boyer, and Bob (late Patricia) Boyer, and numerous cousins.

William proudly served in the U.S. Army as a medic in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He married “the girl next door” after coming back home-- raising 7 kids and spending 64 wonderful years through thick and thin together. He lived a long, beautiful life dedicated to his wife and family, noted as “a wonderful father and even better grandfather.” He paved the way for their collective success by working hard climbing the ranks in his career, retiring late, and living frugally.

William was easygoing, calm on the surface and had a special deadpan sense of humor. He was larger than life in his actions and attitude. He always kept the child within alive, never losing his curiosity and creativity. Projects, puzzles, painting, and woodworking kept him happily occupied at any given time. Fishing and gardening were great loves of his, which were skills he passed down to all his children. He also enjoyed a good day out in the pool. An incredible husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and buddy who will be missed very much by all who knew and loved him.

Per William’s wishes, a committal service with full military honors will take place at a later date. Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved Margaret. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com