Elpha Berdine "Berdie" Veigel

Elpha Berdine “Berdie” Veigel, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on June 14, 2018, at the age of 91, following several months of decline.  She was born on September 10, 1926, on a farm in Tuscarawas Township, the daughter of Thomas and Ruby Tripp. Her sister, Geraldine, died before Berdine’s birth. Graduating from Massillon Washington High School at the age of sixteen, Berdine studied two years at Kent State University Normal School, after which she began her long elementary school teaching career.  She received her Bachelor’s degree after many years of summer classes, in 1964. She met her husband of sixty-five years, Marvin, when he returned to Massillon from serving in World War II, after having become good friends with his two sisters.  Close bonds with extended family continued for a life of joyful memories.  Marvin and Berdine built a home on the family farm where they raised two sons.

After teaching thirty years, primarily sixth grade at Harvey School in Massillon, Berdine’s retirement was filled with volunteering in the community.  She was very active in the Massillon Woman’s Club, where she served a term as president, as well as Massillon Heritage Foundation and the Salvation Army.  She was a devoted and very active member of the former Wesley United Methodist Church. Marvin and Berdine enjoyed traveling the country, and especially summer fishing outings in Ontario.

Berdine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin; son Darryl and daughter-in-law Sandra Marie.  She is survived by her son, Loren, of Massillon, and several beloved nieces and nephews. Her devotion to her Lord, to her family, and to those around her were the hallmarks of a beautiful, long life which touched thousands of others.

Friends may call from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon. Friends may also call from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to a funeral celebration of life to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 18 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Massillon, officiated by Pastor Dan Cammarn and Rev. Ken Kubichek.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Massillon Woman’s Club, Community Hospice, or Crossroads Hospice.

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