Neal Gary Berlin

Neal Gary Berlin, aged 87, made his transition on March 19, 2024.  He was born in Des Plaines, Ill., and grew up in nearby Palatine.  His parents were John and Bertha Gaare Berlin. 

Early on, he developed an interest in public service, and began planning to become a City Manager. Majoring in Public Administration, he graduated from Illinois Wesleyan, and then the University of Michigan.  While working on a doctorate at CU, he met Myrna, a music major. 

They were married in 1961and began life together in City Management in Highland, Ill., a community of Swiss descendants.  Uncle Sam quickly called, and Neal served in the Army in Korea.  Neal’s next job was as Assistant to the City Manager in Pueblo.  Over his career, he was Manager of Highland, Ill., Hanover, N.H., Iowa City, IA., Arvada, CO., and Ann Arbor MI.   

In retirement, Neal and Myrna lived in Denver, CO. Neal served as a Denver Civil Service Commissioner.   

Neal was an inquisitive, kind, friendly, conscientious, spiritual and responsible person.  He placed great importance on serving with the utmost integrity, making life better for the citizens   where he served as City Manager.  He was the quintessential “nice guy” but adhered to his integrity and principles of good government tenaciously. He loved music; he played the tuba in High School.   He will be sorely missed. 

Neal is survived by his wife and daughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment will be at Ft. Logan later in the spring.   

Please share memories and condolences with Neal’s family by signing the guestbook.