Ivan P. Berk

July 7th, 2025

Dear Shelly,

So sorry to hear about Ivan . My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.

Fondlyl,

Carol Romberg Gail

~Carol Gail
~Friend, GLENVIEW Illinois

July 3rd, 2025

Dear Shelly and Family,

I was heartbroken when I learned of Ivan’s passing. Ivan was my favorite “Glickin” cousin for so many reasons. Ivan worked tirelessly to keep the family together through his genealogy efforts and stories about the early days of our family. You and Ivan always invited us for the Passover Seder when we lived in Chicago. Joel and I always looked forward to attending and participating.

Today, we had the opportunity to stream Ivan’s funeral, and we were so moved by the various eulogies delivered by you through Mr. Lefkowitz, Howard, Roni, Craig, and your grandchildren.

Including the song Romania Romania lightened the mood a bit!

Joel and I wish that we could have been with all of you. We are with you in spirit, bound by the bonds of family and love.

Z’L May Ivan Rest in Peace and May His Memory be for a Blessing.

With Love,
Francine and Joel Biterman

~Francine and Joel Biterman
~Cousin, Bluffton, SC

July 3rd, 2025

Dear Shelly and family, I was shocked today to hear in class of the passing of your precious Ivan . The few times I had the pleasure of seeing him and especially our last Art class when he just accompied you in class , it was always wonderful being in his company and wit and wisdom . I am so saddened today and I pray you will be okay. May he rest in peace and May his memory always be a blessing .please remember that I am always here for you .

~Merle Evans
~Friend and Art class mate of Shelly, Skokie , Illinois

July 3rd, 2025

I will always cherish the memory I have of spending time alone with Uncle Ivan and Aunt Shelly only a few days before he passed. It was just the three of us at their home, a special time together. They shared funny and heartfelt stories, filling in some blanks that I wasn’t aware of. As usual, we laughed a lot. I am lucky to have such a wonderful uncle. I miss him.

~Elizabeth Meyers
~Niece, Richmond, CA

July 3rd, 2025

It was a true privilege to know Ivan through the National-Lewis University Lifelong Learning Program and the Inquire Program at National Lewis University. Ivan brought so much experience and breadth of knowledge to every class he participated in, and was a devoted Editor-in-Chief of both programs Review for many many years. He thoroughly researched the contents each and every Lifelong Learning/Inquire assignment and frequently contributed reference photos and articles which would help the rest of us with the context of these readings. He also was a superb short story author himself, with very creative themes and outcomes. Ivan will be missed by all who interacted with him.

~Judy Ditkowsky
~friend, Chicago, IL

July 3rd, 2025

Before my brother Ivan died on Sunday June 29th, my 84th birthday, I had the stabbing realization that I knew him longer than anyone else now living. When did it happen that we both attained that seniority? We didn’t get to have my birthday phone call when we would kindle each other’s childhood memories, with corrections, as siblings do. Retell the many family stories.

Our mother would recount when he was on his own, pushing me in my baby buggy, and sold me to a neighbor for a dime. (In case you are wondering, she returned me, unblemished to Mom.) He must of have gotten used to me because I remember him only as protective and kind. He didn’t recall when at age nine he was “the great white hunter” where we resided in the still untamed Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He’d bring home his bounty that included a baby alligator, baby wild boar, assorted lizards and garter snakes for our own rotating petting zoo. I always felt special and safe with him…whether on the back of his bike on the way to school or on his sled down an icy hill near our home in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Our parents and I were thrilled when he brought home his soon-to-be bride, the blonde, blue-eyed beauty Shelly. Her bubbly humor would forever ease his bent to the serious. “Who is that”, she asked with a slight grin, when seeing the pastel sketch that I did of him for our high school art class. She says that’s when she fell in love, this preview of the man she would marry.

Ivan was a mensch from the time he was a child…responsible, focused, smart, good-hearted. Took special care of his wonderful family. Was deeply curious about the world and continued in retirement to research, learn and contribute his many talents. He was the hub of the larger family, including our far-flung cousins, connecting us to each other. No one can take that place.

I really want to get on the phone and continue our conversations. To finish the email volley that we started for it was my turn to respond. Ivan, my dear older brother, will always be in my heart.

~Susan Bercu
~Sister, Santa Rosa

July 3rd, 2025

Our condolences to Shelley and the entire Berk family.

~Chuck & Esther Bley
~Friends, MEQUON, WI

July 3rd, 2025

I treasure the time I shared with Ivan working on The Review at LLI. Ivan was always bright in spirit and intellect, generous and kind. He is greatly missed.

~Rhonda Milkowski
~Friend and co-volunteer at LLI, Chicago, Illinois

July 3rd, 2025

We will always remember Ivan to be a loving and caring soul. We will miss him. Both Ronna and I send our condolences to the entire family.

~Stewart & Ronna Levy
~Cousin, Phoenix, AZ

July 3rd, 2025

Totally shocked to hear of Ivan’s death. We had some good times at the luncheons that Ivan arranged with our classmates.He will be sorely missed .

~Michael Lee
~Good Friend, Morton Grove