Joe Berberich

Joe Berberich, 70, died July 7, 2008 with his family by his side. He fought a long battle against diabetes, heart and kidney disease.

A celebration of life and potluck will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at the family home in Palmer.

Berberich was born in Dayton, Ohio, the ninth of 10 children born to Aloysius and Margaret Berberich. He attended St. Anthony and Chaminade schools.

He met and married the love of his life, Pat, in 1958. They were blessed with a daughter, Betsy, and sons Joe, Don, John, Steve, Tony and Tom. These children in turn blessed Pat and Joe with 17 wonderful grandchildren.

The family followed Berberich’s dream and moved to Alaska, arriving in Palmer July 6, 1975. Berberich and his sons built several subdivisions and many homes in Palmer. His political career started when he was elected mayor of Palmer in 1980 and continued as he served on the city council for many years. He also was a member of the ABC Board for the state of Alaska. He was a director and eventually president of the board for the Alaska State Fair. In the early ‘90s, he started Alaska Aircraft Paint Center where he continued painting many helicopters and small planes until May of this year.

His family said Berberich was often likable and always loveable. “You always knew where you stood with him,” they wrote. “He made a huge impact on the lives of many people. He has many friends who consider him their ‘best friend.’ His children’s friends considered him their ‘other’ dad. Don’t cry because he’s gone; smile because he was here.

“As a family we wish to exten d our deep gratitude to those who have attended to Joe’s medical needs for their loving and professional care. They have become our special friends and we thank them for the extra years we had to spend with him.”

His family said Berberich lived his life with excitement and met his death with courage.