Harry Berke, age 95, of Schererville, passed away Saturday, February 2. Born Hershall Berkovitz, July 31, 1917 in Chicago, IL, of parents, Jacob and Fanny Berkovitz.

 He is survived by his daughter Nancy Burge and grandson, Michael Burge of Los Angeles; sister, Elsie Mintz of Munster; sisters-in-law, Eloise (late Armin) Lipsig of Munster and Eve Berke of  Hammond and a host of loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Shirley (nee Milgram), daughter, Toni, and brothers Arthur and Seymour; and sister Edith.

 Harry graduated from East Chicago Washington High School and attended Indiana University. He and his wife, Shirley, owned the Coronet Shops in downtown Gary and Valparaiso and the Coronet Jr. Bee Hive Stores. Harry later joined the sales force of Largus Printers in Munster where he worked for 15 years.

For more than 60 years Harry performed the Kol Nidre at Temple Israel in Miller. Harry shared his gifted tenor voice with his high school chorus, the male chorus, countless weddings and religious celebrations. Harry headed Temple Israel’s chorus. He also served as President of Temple Israel’s Board of Directors and as Co-Chairman of the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign.

The family would like to give special thanks to Tom Largus and the entire Largus Printing family for the loving care shown Harry during his health struggles; also to caretaker Tammy Berry.

Services will be at Temple Israel, 601 Montgomery Street, Miller, on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Rabbi Stanley Halpern officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Israel, Toni Berke Fund or the Continuity Fund or to the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana.

Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point chapel in charge of arrangements.

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.