Obituary

Frank Walton Berlin III, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully on July 2 at the age of 80. Although Frank had battled Parkinson’s disease for a number of years, it was ultimately his heart that decided it was time for the next adventure. Always one to be in control, Frank knew exactly what he needed to do to leave this life just as he wished.

Frank was born on March 2, 1945 in York, Nebraska to Frank Walton Berlin and Janice Gail (Smith) Berlin. Although Frank spent his early years moving frequently due to his father’s military career, the family ultimately landed in West Des Moines. Frank was a 1963 graduate of Valley High School where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball, track, and baseball.

Frank went to college (as he would say) at The University of Vietnam. He joined the United States Army in 1965 and spent his 21st birthday in combat. He served as both a paratrooper and a helicopter gunner, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for “heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty.” Frank was one of the only ones in his platoon not injured or killed in the line of duty. As a reward for his service, he was granted the opportunity to ride in an F-16 fighter jet in 2006 piloted by his son-in-law, Travis.

Frank married Janet Karen Bell on July 20, 1968. They had met at the local trampoline park when he was 16 and she was 15. Shortly after marriage, they welcomed their daughters, Brooke and Brette.

Against everyone’s advice, including his own father, Frank decided to enter the insurance industry as a profession. After beginning his sales career, first with Mutual of Omaha and then with Equitable of New York, Frank set out on his own to found Frank Berlin & Associates. Thanks to Frank’s “nose to the grindstone” work ethic, loyalty to his customers, and contagious personality, FB&A went on to become one of the most successful employee benefits brokerages in the state of Iowa.

Highlights of Frank’s professional career include being a member of The Breakfast Club (president in 1994) and serving on the boards of West Des Moines State Bank (president in 1995), Des Moines Golf and Country Club (president in 1994), National Travelers Life, and the Principal Charity Senior Golf Tournament. Frank was also instrumental in bringing the U.S. Senior Open to Des Moines Golf and Country Club in 1999 serving as co-chair of the first major golf event in Iowa.

Frank spent a lifetime breaking the “rules.” Without a college education, he led an enormously successful company. While he loved good food and dined at some of the finer establishments in the country, his all-time favorite meal was Kraft macaroni and cheese. Frank was not a follower of formal religion, but counted a Catholic priest as one of his dearest friends. He wrote his own playbook, was a straight shooter (both literally and figuratively), and was unapologetically himself. If you didn’t agree with him, well then you were just wrong.

Frank led his family by being an example of the lessons he consistently preached: Be whatever you want, but be the best at it. If you mess with the bull, you’re going to get the horns. If you aren’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes. And it’s easier to ask forgiveness than to seek permission.

Frank loved spending the winters at their second home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The best times were when his kids and grandkids were there as well. He loved traveling the world with Jan and was fortunate to attend the Ryder Cup in England, see the beaches in Normandy, and go on safari in Africa twice (once with his friends and once with his kids and grandkids). Frank was a lifelong hunter and some of his best memories were made at his farm in Riverton, Iowa and hunting with buddies at Sun Down. Frank picked up golf as an adult and quickly became an avid competitor. He was a member of Des Moines Golf and Country Club for almost 50 years and a member of Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale for almost 20 years. Frank loved dogs, socializing with friends, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Above all, the greatest love of Frank’s life was his family. He enjoyed hanging out with his grandkids more than anyone in the world and told them so. He wanted his grandkids to experience the world and his sponsorship of numerous family vacations made that possible. He left this world proud of their accomplishments and laughing at their humor.

Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan, daughters Brooke Acheson and Brette (Fred) Scott, and grandchildren Isabelle, Emma, and Gretta Acheson and Evan and Frank Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Janice Berlin, in-laws Robert and Anita Bell, and son-in-law Travis Acheson.

A visitation for Frank will be held on Monday, July 14 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Iles Dunn’s Chapel, 2121 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. A Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors at Resthaven Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA Iowa), 2951 86th Street, Suite 125, Urbandale, Iowa 50322 or The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, 1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

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