Kansas Obituaries and Biography

Father Samuel Fraser, pastor of Saint Patrick's in Vine Creek

John Berry

John Berry died suddenly at  his home near Vine, Kansas, Saturday, January 11, 1919.  Death was due to apoplexy.  The news of his death came as a distinct shock to his host of friends around the community, many of whom he had seen only the previous day, when in perfect health.  Two doctors arrived at the home a short time after he was stricken, but death had taken him away, and all the skill and genius of modern medicine could not stay that unfair hand.

John Berry was born in Claremorris, Ireland and when a small boy moved with his parents to America.  He was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Berry.  He was engaged in farming and live stock raising.  He was a clean, unselfish, industrious man and of sterling character.  His death is a profound loss to his many friends who showed their love and esteem for him in numerous ways.

He was united in marriage to Miss Delia Foye, June 28, 1900 and to this union two children were born, both of whom survive.  His home and family were always foremost in his thoughts.

The funeral and high mass was held at St. Patrick's Catholic church, Vine, Kansas, Wednesday morning,  Father McErlean, of Delphos, officiating.  The beautiful high mass was sung by Mary Byrne, of Kansas City and Mike Aylward, of Niles Kansas accompanied by Mrs. Jim Tobin, of Solomon Kansas.  The ceremonies, so sad, and yet so consoling in themselves were very impressive.

Besides a wife and two children, there are left to mourn his death, five brothers and three sisters, all of whom were present at his funeral except Mrs. Dulohery and Mrs. Bouhan, of Savannah, Ga. who owing to illness could not come.

The sympathy of the entire neighborhood is extended to the heartbroken wife and children

Thanks to Marilyn Maloney Wasylk for this interesting obit.

 Funeral Held For Fr. Berry In St. Joseph's

Wichita — Father Martin A. Berry, 56, Redemptorist priest at St. Joseph's Church, died unexpectedly Aug 7 at the parish rectory.

Father Berry was born Nov 15, 1902, at Tampa.  He received his early education at Elmo and Salina, and entered the Redemptorist Seminary at Kirkwood, MO, in 1922, where he spent six years.  Six more years were spent at Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where he was ordained in 1935.

Served Wichita Twice

Father Berry was pastor of Rock Church in St. Louis, Mo., director of Redemptorist Seminary in Kirkwood, rector of a retreat house in Glenview Il, and pastor at Denver, Colo., San Antonio, Tex, and Wichita.

He came to Wichita in January 1956, and in September 1956, went to San Antonio, Tex., for two years before returning to Wichita.

Survivors

Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Francis Schwartzman and Margaret Berry of Wichita, five brothers, Al Berry, Seattle, Wash., Joe and Jim Berry, Los Angeles, CA;  Charles Berry, Las Vegas, NV,; and Bob Berry,  Wichita

Funeral services were held Monday in St Joseph's Church.  Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Obituary received from the Redemptorists  Denver Office

Biography of Father Martin Berry C. SS. R. from Redemptorist Archives

Father Berry was born in Tampa, Kansas, On November 15, 1902.  He was the son of Patrick A. Berry and Mary Berry.  As a youth, he attended Union District School and Sacred heart High School and Business College at Salina, Kansas.

While he was attending Sacred Heart High School, he got the idea of becoming a priest.  What led him to choose the Redemptorists is not known but he entered the juvenate, St. Joseph's College, Kirkwood, Missouri, on September 4, 1923.  He spent six years there – being 27 years old at the time.  He had no problems there; high hope was held for him by his superiors.  He entered the novitiate at De Soto, Missouri, and was professed there on August 2, 1930.  Rev. George Breffeil was his novice master.  He made his higher studies in Oconomowoc Wisconsin and was ordained there on June 28th, 1935 by Abp. Samuel Stritch of Milwaukee.  he made his second novitiate at Glenview under the direction of Rev. Richard Dalton (June 22 – September 76, 1936).  He had a short second novitiate because five of his class were sent to Catholic University for post-graduate studies and two were sent to Rome for the same reason.

His first appointment was to Kirkwood as a professor (it didn't seem that he needed post-graduate studies to begin to teach) on September 6, 1936.  When his classmate students returned from Catholic University, he was assigned to Glenview as a missionary on September 7, 1936

Then, though he was only four years ordained, he was appointed as rector of St. Alphonsus 'Rock' Church, St. Louis, on May 4, 1939.  He must have had some influence with the 'powers that be'.  He received two terms of office there.  Then, remaining in power, he was appointed as rector at the juvenate, St. Joseph's College, Kirkwood, on July 17, 1945.  He was also director of the juvenate at the time.  When he was appointed to Glenview on November 13, 1950, he was again appointed as rector.  He had been a superior for 14 straight years.

He was sent 'down to the ranks' on June 30, 1953, when he was appointed to Denver.  He didn't waste any time there in getting involved in parish affairs.  The first thing that he did, on arriving in Denver, was to get a handful of census cards and started making parish visits.  This was something that had not been done as a regular thing.  It was to his credit that he plunged right into this work from the start.  He was sent to Wichita, as a parish priest, on December 190, 1955.  Then, he was again called upon to serve as superior when he was assigned to the English house in San Antonio on September 13, 1956.  His health was not too good at the time and so, after two years, he was forced to resign.  He returned again to Wichita on February 13, 1958 – his last appointment.

As soon as Father Berry was able to get around  (after being returned to Wichita), he asked to take responsibility for all hospital visits.  When he came to Wichita, his physical problems were diagnosed as Parkinson's Disease – a disease that affects the nerves. There is no cure for it but when it comes it can be slow in affecting a person so that he/she may be able to still get around, have the use of reason but still function.  This was the way he was.  The doctors advised to 'let him do whatever he asks to do and avoid giving him any responsibility that he might not feel equal in doing'..  This was a practical piece of advice – enabling him to function with his affliction as best he could.

He took his regular turn at 'daily duty'.  He was the confessor to the Sisters of Wichita Hospital (he went there every Monday at 1:00 p.m.) and to the Dominican Sisters who lived across the street from the church (every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. – another awful time).

In Wichita, he had charge of the Altar Society and was faithful to their meetings.  He had a special love for the parish and the people;  he didn't want to give them any idea that they were neglected.  Just a couple of weeks before his death, he wanted to start a Legion of Mary.  He had the rector's permission and a notice was put up on the board for possible members interested.

He wanted to keep going, despite his health problems, and not be a burden to the community.  One of his acts of charity for the community was to drive, daily, to the post office and pick up the mail for the fathers and the sisters (this might not seem much but it is something that there were not too many volunteers).  He not only picked it up for the sisters but would deliver it to them!

He tried to preach but could not make the grade.  He wasn't assigned for any regular preaching church but sometimes he would volunteer to preach at his own Mass.  But he took his regular turn at offering Mass and confessions.  There were about a half dozen people he brought Holy Communion to each week.  He was very faithful to his grade school religion classes – showing up at least once a week.  He even had baptisms, weddings and instructions – these he took in stride.  He was always kind and considerate under all circumstances.  He was also in charge of the "Social Club" which, theoretically, was supposed to be the 'welcome wagon' for new parishioners – letting them know of other organizations in the parish.  It was a 'lame duck' outfit and didn't do much be he went along with it anyway.

The rectory atmosphere seemed to make him nervous; he would spend a great deal of time at his sister's house (she lived in the parish).  He would always be back at the rectory by 9:00 p.m.  He seemed to have the yen to be on the go – because of this he was willing to represent the community at all 40 Hours and nuns' funerals in the area.  Since none of these are ever too popular in the community, he took a bit of a burden off.

He was a very kind individual in the community.  No one had to worry about his reputation with him around.

The community know that he had Parkinson's Disease but it is not known whether he was aware of it – but, then, no one suspected that he had a heart problem also.  On Thursday, August 6th, after getting the mail, he mentioned that he had a pain in his chest and said that he was going over to see the doctor – a block away.  The pain went away.  He visited his sister; he was cheerful, felt fine and even looked better.  The next morning was First Friday – he said High Mass at 7:00 a.m. – helped with Communions at the 6:00 am. and 8:00 a.m. – heard confessions – took out Communions to the sick and, as usual, went to get the mail.  Around 9:30 a.m. he was walking the corridors, saying his rosary – he mentioned to a passing confrere about the pains in his chest coming back.  The Rector called the doctor who, on examining him, said to get him to the hospital right away.  he packed a few things – they took him to St. Francis around 10:00 a.m. – at 10:30 a.m. the hospital chaplain called and notified the Community that Father Berry had just died.   It seems that on arriving at the hospital, he was not showing  any serious signs and was talking quite cheerfully.  About ten minutes later another attack came up suddenly.  The Chaplain anointed him.  He died on August 7, 1959.

Solemn funeral services were held at St. Josephs Church, Wichita with the Redemptorist Provincial the celebrant; Rev. Anthony Powers, a classmate, gave the funeral sermon.  Thirty five confreres were present.  Burial took place at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

At his death, Father Berry was 56 years of age; 29 years professed; 24 years ordained.  R. I. P.

<<===  This  is in Father Berry's own handwriting.  He wrote it when he entered the training system to be a Redemptorist Father.

 Click on text to see larger version.  Transcription is :

July 7, 1929

The date of my birth is recorded as being November 15, 1902 at Tampa, Marion County, Kansas.  Patrick Aloysius Berry was my father's name.  The maiden name of mother was Mary Theresa Berry.  I received the Sacrament of Baptism on December 14, 1902.  Rev A. J. Vanspeybroech was the pastor of Holy Redeemer Church in Tampa Kansas.  I was confirmed on the 19th of May 1915 by Rt. Rev. John F Cunningham in St. Columba's church at Elmo Kansas.  Up until this time I have attended Prairie Union District school, Sacred Heart High School and Business College at Salina Kansas.  On September 4, 1923 I began my studies at Kirkwood.  I received the idea of becoming a priest while attending Sacred heart School.  Feeling myself called to the sacred priesthood I chose the Redemptorists so that I might one day labor on the missions and help in the great work of bringing souls back to God.

item received from the Redemptorist Archives – Denver Province

Scots around the World
 Father Samuel V. Fraser
Pastor of Saint Patrick's, Vine Creek, Kansas

One of the younger members of the Roman Catholic clergy in Kansas is Rev. Samuel V. Fraser, pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Minneapolis, who in this, his first charge, has shown that he possesses with the dignity of his high calling Christian zeal, tempered with the knowledge of and sympathy for human frailty, that has endeared him to his parishioners, has won him the respect of his fellow citizens in general and promises to so increase his influence that it is certain that a rich field of usefulness awaits his future.

Father Fraser belongs to Kansas. He was born at Concordia, this state, May 31, 1890, and is in the fourth generation descending from the founders of the family in Canada. His ancestors came from Corkell, Invernesshire, Scotland, with the Scotch Regiment of Highlanders, commanded by Simon Fraser, as a unit of the British army, in 1759, and remained permanent settlers of the Dominion of Canada.

Francis Xavier Fraser, father of Rev. Samuel V. Fraser, was born near Three Rivers, Canada, in 1843. In 1849 he was taken by his parents to the United States and they settled in the French Village of Bourbonnais, near Kankakee, Illinois. In 1886 he removed to Cloud County, Kansas, in 1908 retiring to Concordia, and there his death occurred in the following year. All his active life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was married in Illinois to Flora Berard, who was born near Three Rivers, Canada, in 1849 and was taken to Illinois by her parents in 1853. She resides at Concordia, Kansas. Of the family of fourteen children born to this marriage, Father Fraser was the thirteenth child in order of birth, the others being: Daniel, who is a farmer residing near Aurora, Kansas; Clara, who is the wife of John Perrier, a farmer near Olpe, Kansas; Edmond, who is a farmer near El Roe, Minnesota; Cecelia, who is the wife of John B. Gaudreau, who conducts a restaurant business at Concordia; Fred, who is a Christian Brother in Saint Joseph's College at Glenco, Missouri; Lucy, who is the wife of John Herbert, a farmer near Aurora, Kansas, Hattie, who is a nun, Sister Eveline, at Saint George's Station, Illinois; Aldia, who is Sister Chlotilda, in a convent in Chicago, Illinois; a daughter who died at the age of ten months; Jesse, who resides on the old homestead at Concordia; Gasper, who is a farmer near Concordia; Louis, who died at the age of sixteen years, at Concordia; and Josephine, who resides at Concordia with her mother and sister.

 Samuel V. Fraser in boyhood attended the public schools in Cloud County and then entered Saint Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas, and there received his preliminary training for the priesthood, remaining five years and being graduated in 1909. His proficiency in his studies led him then to the path that gave him the opportunity to complete the same in the American Catholic Seminary that was affiliated with the great University of Louvain, Belgium, where he finished his philosophical and theological course and was graduated in 1914, and he reached his home in Kansas about the time of the outbreak of the great European war.

Father Fraser was ordained in the same year, in Louvain, and his first mass was said in the Cathedral of Concordia. He was appointed in the same year pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Minneapolis, and has continued in charge ever since. This parish is thirty-two years old, the first priest to begin organizing being Father O'Leary, and in 1885 the erection of the church was commenced, its location being on Rock Street, as is also the parish house. Father Fraser has been able to affect the parish with some of his own enthusiasm and now has about 100 members, while many church organizations and helpful agencies have been started and are flourishing. Father Fraser has two missions also under his pastorate, Saint Patrick's on Vine Creek and Saint Francis Borgia at Ada, Kansas. The Knights of Columbus as a Catholic organization meets with his approval as to its aims and he is a member of Abilene Council.

It was a world calamity when the great University of Louvain was wantonly destroyed in 1915, and Father Fraser finds in his grief over the loss of that wonderful and priceless library, in which he had spent so many studious hours, a subject for lifelong regret. In this he has the sympathy of thousands with memories of their own who mourn artistic losses that seemingly no future civilization can ever replace.

 editor's note: Father Fraser died Salina Kansas, November 1972