Gerald M. Berens

Gerald M. Berens, 83, Wausau, went to his heavenly home on Friday, June 4, 2010. Jerry was born July 30, 1926 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Hansen) Berens. He married the love of his life, Theresa Murkowski in Poniatowski, WI., on May 26, 1948. Jerry and Terry recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Jerry worked as the Director of Plant Operations for Wausau Hospitals. He began working at the former St. Mary's hospital at age 16 and was a devoted employee for 42 years. Jerry was a family man above all else. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed carpentry and tinkering on projects and was known to be able to fix just about anything. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time at the family cottage in Harrison Hills. Jerry was a gentle man with a great sense of humor, patience and a big heart. Survivors include his beloved wife, Theresa, and his eight children: sons Roger (Carol) and Wayne (Norma), both of Wausau, and daughters Cynthia (Stephen) Clancey, MoundsView, MN., Rose Hoffman, Madison, WI., Renee (Kevin) Crooks and Karen (Nolan) Rusch, both of Wausau, Sharon (Richard) Sandquist, Stillwater, MN., and Gloria (Sheldon) Schlicht, Peachtree City, GA. Jerry was blessed with 21 grandchildren: Andrew Berens, Jennifer (Sean) Comfort, Bryan (Sonja) Berens, Paul (Jodi) Berens, Keith (Brenda) Berens, Sarah (Yuichi) Morie, Matthew and Michael Clancey, William and Samuel Hoffman, Peter and Elizabeth Crooks, Kristin (Christopher) Severson, Nathan and Zachary Rusch, Elliot, Stuart and Eric Sandquist, and Blaine, Alexander and Erin Schlicht. He was further blessed with 11 great grandchildren: Cinneidi and Aiden Comfort, Tyler Berens, Jack and Olivia Berens, Joseph, Abigail, Isabelle, Reneah Berens, Laina Morie and Lillian Severson. Jerry is also survived by one brother, Cyril (Merle) Berens, Wausau, and one sister Rosemary (Art) Jost, Portland, OR. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by six sisters, Virgil, Lucille, Marjorie, Natalie, Lorraine and Elaine, and four brothers, Norbert, Lamont, Clarence and Francis. Jerry loved the Lord and his deep faith guided him throughout his life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Entombment will be at Holy Angels Mausoleum, Wausau. Visitation will be held at the Church from 10am until the start of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 229 S. 28th Avenue, Wausau, WI., 54401 The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Rev. Robert Thorn, Norma Kipp and the staff at Aspirus Pulmonary and Critical Care for their attentiveness and compassion. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com