Helen A. Berens

Helen A. Berens, 91, Marathon, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. She was born July 17, 1923 in Rothiemay, Montana, daughter of the late Adolph and Emma (Hassebrock) Miessner. On December 5, 1941, she married Norbert Berens in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on November 14, 1997. Helen was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marathon. Among her many creative pastimes were quilting, sewing, and making braided wool rugs. Helen had an appreciation for words and language, earning a reputation, even in her last years, for her sharp wit, her love of puns, and her keen spelling ability. She was a voracious reader of many genres, including poetry. Helen was an excellent cook and baker, known for baking the best bread and "Sunday sweet rolls." Her hot cross buns were a classic favorite. But the foundation of all of Helen's hobbies and pastimes was her giving spirit. She had a tremendous pride in and love for her family and, above all else, enjoyed spending time with them. She will be deeply missed. Survivors include five daughters and seven sons and 22 grandchildren: Kathleen (James) Erbeck, Green Bay and sons, Aaron and Lincoln; Dennis (Joan) Berens, Muskego, and children, Debra, Jeffrey, and Julie; Richard (Rita) Berens, Mendota Heights, MN, and children, Elizabeth, Paul, and Peter; Robert (Jean) Berens, Wausau, and sons, Joel and Brian; Michael (Susan) Berens, Wausau, and children, Matthew and Katie; Donna (Joseph) Courchaine, Marathon, and their children, Jeremy, Stacy, and Jessica; Virginia Berens, Wausau; John Berens, Brooklyn, NY; Gayle Berens, Washington, DC; William (Andrea) Berens, Milwaukee, and daughter, Greta; Andrew (Lorrie) Berens, Marathon, and sons, Matthew, Joshua, and Jacob; and Linda (William) Heeren, Wausau, and daughters, Bethany and Melissa; and 17 great-grandchildren, True and Luca Erbeck, Skylar McLoughlin, Elizabeth and Nathan Woida, Marlee and Quentin Berens, Tristan Simcock, Leona and Henry Berens, Sophia and Owen Berens, Sawyer and Westin Berens, Brody Sienko, and Jacob and Kayla Courchaine. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gloria Miessner, Selma Miessner, Pat Miessner, Rosemary (Arthur) Jost, Terry Berens, Cyril (Merle) Berens, Florence Berens and Pat Berens. Besides her parents and husband, Norbert, she was preceded in death by one grandson, David Courchaine; two sisters, Agatha Gudenschwager and Mildred Oblak; and five brothers, Wilfred, Edward, Clarence, Melvin, and Elmer Miessner. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Harmony Assisted Living, Wausau and Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, Lori Schutte, and hospice nurse, Amy Kurth, for the care and compassion given to Helen these last years. Helen's daughter, Ginny, deserves special mention for her above-and-beyond devotion to her mom. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.