1934
Cecil
2023
Cecil Berlin
January 9, 1934 — November 21, 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Cecil Arlo Berlin announce that he passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the age of 89. Cecil struggled with many health issues in recent months. He gave his family the precious gift of time to say goodbye while under the compassionate and tender care of Mayo Hospice and Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire.
Cecil was born January 9, 1934 to Irma (Nimsger) Berlin Klick and Arlo Berlin in the town of Ludington, Eau Claire County. He was the oldest of six children. He attended the White and Clay Lome grade schools in Ludington before the family moved to Foster where he graduated from the eighth grade then worked on the family farm. As a youth and young man Cecil was involved in 4-H, motor cycles and fast cars.
Putting his education on hold, Cecil enlisted in the US Navy at age 17. He honorably served during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1954 on the USS Stoddard DD566 Destroyer as a Boatswains Mate and continued in the Navy Reserves.
On September 8, 1956 Cecil was united in marriage to Shirley Scheuermann at Holy Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Brackett, WI. Together they made their home in Allen, WI where they raised their four children. They shared their family with several foster children before moving to Eau Claire in 1977. Cecil and Shirley were married 51 years before her passing in 2007. With perseverance and unconditional love, Cecil tirelessly cared and aided Shirley during the stages of her Alzheimer’s struggles. He showed us all what true love, empathy and compassion is.
With generations of music interest in his family, Cecil was multi-talented with a variety of instruments but the Banjo was his liking. He, Shirley and sister-in-law, Gloria, had a band and played for several wedding dances, holiday and festive events and family reunions. He carried his Banjo most everywhere to jam with friends and strangers who became friends. In the not-so-distant past Cecil entertained at the Augusta Nursing and Rehabilitation Home.
In 2008 Cecil became reacquainted with the widowed Marilyn Lee. They were inseparable companions until her unexpected death in April 2022. Together they shared many adventures and created countless happy memories. He affectionately referred to Marilyn as his fiancé’.
Cecil was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire and extended his faith with Marilyn at Grace Lutheran Church as well.
The measure of a life well lived is hard to quantify in many ways. Cecil was passionate about many things throughout life. He was a very social person. Cecil earned many certificates, plaques and awards. He was a founder of the Bracketteers Snow Mobile Club in 1973 and lead as the first President of the club as well. A most recent accomplishment and dream come true was graduating with his official High School Diploma with the Class of 2022 in the Osseo-Fairchild School District through the Wisconsin Department of Education program for veterans who served in the military at a young age and missed their high school education. He was so proud and grateful for this prestigious acknowledgment.
Cecil was instrumental in founding American Legion Bever Post 550 in Brackett in 1956 and was heavily involved in holding many offices, including 10 th District Commander and attending several conferences as a Life Member of the American Legion, VFW of Altoona and Forty et Eight. Cecil was on the Eau Claire County War Memorial Committee located at the County Court House dedicated in 1980 and was a member of the Eau Claire Patriotic Council. As a proud veteran he participated in numerous parades, Eau Claire Memorial Day programs and celebrations, wreath and flag ceremonies at local cemeteries, annual poppy sales, Honor Guard responsibilities, visiting and entertaining veterans at the Tomah VA hospital and many other activities. He participated in several local school Veterans Day programs and attended many Oratorical Contests as well.
In 2015 Cecil experienced a trip to Washington DC on the Freedom Honor Flight. He enjoyed participating in designing his Legacy Stones for both High Ground in Neillsville and the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Park in Altoona. His patriotism and love of Country is a legacy instilled in his children to carry on for generations. Another American Hero is gone!
Cecil enjoyed each job he held, especially his years with the Eau Claire County Highway Department as a grader operator as well as being Union President and later at PDM (Phoenix Steel, currently Veritas) as a welder and truck driver delivering massive bridge beams all over the country. After retiring he enjoyed meeting his fellow retirees for monthly lunches. Cecil was never at a loss for something to do with all his interests. He was always busy and wondered “when did I have time to work”?
Cecil supported his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their music, sports and extra-curricular activities and hardly ever missed an opportunity to share their experiences, events and accolades to witness their growth into the wonderful people he was so proud of. Birthdays and holidays were truly joyous celebrations. Cecil was most fond of doing anything if it meant spending time, and good food, with family and friends.
Cecil’s love to drive and travel, either through work, vacations, visiting relatives/friends and attending his annual Navy ship reunions, earned him the ability to have seen all 50 states and through his Navy experiences and later with Holiday Travel Vacations trips with Marilyn, was able to visit several countries abroad as well.
Cecil was a lifelong avid gun hunter. Hunting season was a time cherished at the cabin and spent sharing fun, laughter and camaraderie with his children, grandchildren and friends. He always had a sharp eye and even bagged two deer in the 2022 season before his health took a turn. He was preparing to visit deer camp this year but was not feeling up to it.
Cecil loved reminiscing, telling stories of days past, sharing good conversation with relatives and friends. He enjoyed participating in daily activities with his friends at Dove Healthcare and staying up on current events.
Cecil had a mechanical mind and will be remembered for his ability to fix anything. He was the go-to person for advice, guidance and had vast wisdom. His strong work ethic has passed on to his heirs.
Cecil was a friend to many and everywhere he went he could run into someone he knew or made a new friend along the way. His smile was inviting. He had a zest for and embraced life. He may have left us in the physical world but his impact will live on in those who knew him.
Memories of Cecil will be cherished by: Children; Rita (Greg) Pecha, Duane (Jean) Berlin, Kay Berlin, Dean (Amy) Berlin. Grandchildren; Reed (Claudia) Pecha, Tessa Pecha, Nick (Kristi) Colbert, Dominic, Aubry, and Keegan Berlin, Jordan (Haylee) Hayes, Kyle and Nathan Hayes, Chelsie (Jake) Belknap, Kaylie (Joe) Wollum, Leslie, Melodie and Augustine Berlin. Great Grandchildren; Reylen and Olivia Pecha, Leo Belknap. Sisters; Carol Thoma, Judy Klick, Patricia Risteau. Brother; Duane “Joe” (Pearl) Berlin. Sisters and brother-in-law; Gloria Johnson, Germaine Scheuermann, Jeanette Scheuermann, Dorathy Mehls, Dennis (Luanne) Scheuermann. Marilyn Lee’s children and their families. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous close friends.
Those greeting Cecil in Heaven are: Parents and Step Parents; Irma (Wilbur) Klick and Arlo (Vera) Berlin. Wife; Shirley. Companion; Marilyn. Sister; Corrine Bethke. Brothers in law; Jacob Thoma, Dale Klick. In laws; George and Julia (Hart) Scheuermann. Sisters and Brothers In Law; Deloras (Pete) Meinholz, Josephine (Paul]) Mattson, Jeanette (Jim) Mehls, Lucille (Marshall) Horlacher, Annabelle (Bill) Planert, Lloyd (Ruby) Scheuermann, Aloysius Scheuermann, Charles Scheuermann, Jerry Johnson and nephews; Bruce Thoma, John Johnson, Bryan Scheuermann. He is also preceded by cousins, Aunts, Uncles, other relatives and many good friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be forwarded to organizations and charities dear to Cecil’s heart.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona with Pastor Philip Ruge-Jones officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hr. prior to the service and Friday, December 1, 2023 at the funeral home from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A military memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. to conclude the evening. Burial with full military honors provided by the Brackett American Legion Post 550 will be at Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery, Town of Clear Creek, Eau Claire County. The service will be lived streamed at the Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel / Cremation Society of Wisconsin Facebook page.
Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cecil Berlin, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, December 1, 2023
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel
Second Visitation
Saturday, December 2, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel
Service
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel
Interment
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Starts at 1:30 pm (Central time)
Holy Guardian Angels
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