Bert Berkley 1923-2024

Bert Berkley, chairman emeritus, Tension Corp, passed away last month at 101

“We are saddened to share the news that Bert Berkley, grandson of our founder, passed away on July 16, 2024. Bert regularly said that working at Tension was the only job he ever wanted and his legacy will be forever felt throughout the halls of Tension. A veteran of two wars—World War II and Korea–and an outstanding civic leader, Bert will be missed by all of those who knew him.”

Lon Robinson, a VP at Tension and former chair of FTA remarked, “The Tension Family has lost a great leader. He mentored many of our current leaders, including me. He was an innovator and industry giant that everyone who met considered a friend. Bert will be missed by many, I consider myself lucky to have known him.”

The son of E.B. and Caroline “Kitty” Berkowitz, Bert was the third-generation leader of Tension Corporation, the 138-year-old family company founded by his grandfather William Berkowitz in 1886. As Tension’s President and CEO, then Board Chairman and then Chairman Emeritus, Berkley took great pride in the growth of the enterprise. It now employs more than 1,100 people in nine plants across the United States, China and Taiwan, with annual sales of more than $300 million.

Bert served his industry as chair of the Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA) and received the organization’s Chairman’s Award. He was also the chair and a founder of the Global Envelope Alliance, as well as a member of the Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum Advisory Council. He was awarded six patents.

In addition to helming Tension, Bert headed the Kansas City Civic Council, chaired the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and founded LINC – Kansas City’s Local Investment Commission –a children’s and family advocacy group. A civic giant, he was named Mr. Kansas City in 1971.

Bert married his wife, Joan Meinrath, Sept. 1, 1950. She passed away after 64 happy years. They had three children, Janet, Bill and Jane between 1955 and 1959, and later seven grandchildren–Matt, Caroline, Kate, Matthew, Will, Daniel, and Laura. A great granddaughter, Eloise joined the clan in 2022.

Bert was widely known for his dedication to his wider family and friends., particularly Tension team members. He held degrees from both Harvard and Duke Universities.  

Photos: Top = Bert Berkley in early years at Tension. Bottom = Bert at his 100th birthday.