John Daniel Berich Jr.

Dan was born April 3, 1926 in Denver, Colorado. He was a loving and caring husband, father and friend. He passed just three weeks shy of his 95th birthday. He was the son of John Daniel Berich Sr., an immigrant from Yugoslavia, and Stella Elizabeth Berich. He grew up just two blocks North of Wash Park where he spent his childhood fishing, swimming and ice skating, alongside his two sisters Marie and Lovey, as well as many friends and cousins. He was an avid golfer and went to state on the South High School Golf Team.

In 1944, he enlisted into the Navy on June 19, 1944, to fight for his country. He was fiercely proud to be an American. He was assigned to a hospital ship in the South Pacific and served as a gunner’s mate. Discharged after the war, he came back and married the love of his life, Betty Roy in 1951.

With Betty’s prodding and the encouragement of Don Vestal to take on commercial work, he became a force in the masonry industry. Dan began his career as a bricklayer in 1943, while he was a student at South High School in Denver. He later founded Dan Berich Inc. and was a pioneer in the Masonry industry by being the first to build 20 story load bearing masonry buildings in the country. His numerous buildings can be found throughout Colorado.

Later in life, tennis was his game and he excelled at this while creating some lifelong friendships from it. He is survived by his wife Betty, and children Amy Ruhl (husband Ron), Ann Mittelstaedt (husband Drew) and Todd Berich (wife Trudie). Their grandchildren are Kristin, Tom, Lisa, Natalie, Maddie, Brittany and Nicole. They also have 4 great grandchildren.

Dan was a patriotic American. He spent many of his retired days fly fishing on the river (catch and release only).

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the Home Health crew at Windcrest and to the entire staff at Abundant Blessings and Care.

A celebration of life will be held on March 25, 2021, at 3:00 pm at Mission Hills Community Church.