Theresa S. Berens

Theresa Susan (Murkowski) Berens, 97, Wausau, WI passed peacefully to her eternal home surrounded by her eight loving children on Tuesday August 25, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.

Born on February 15, 1929 in Poniatowski, WI, Theresa was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna (Nowicki) Murkowski and was the last surviving sibling of twelve children. It was at a country dance where she met the love of her life, Gerald Berens. Terry and Jerry were united in marriage on May 26, 1948 and were happily married for 62 years before Jerry’s passing in 2010. They were blessed with 8 children and shared a loving and devoted life together.

Terry created a welcoming home where family and friends gathered, shared stories, laughs and made many memories. Raised in a large farm family, she learned the value of hard work and found joy in the simple things in life. She had a flair for creating a beautiful home and cooking delicious meals using vegetables grown in her large garden. She had a passion for baking bread and pastries. Music was a happy part of Mom’s life; she was always singing, loved polka dancing, and played her harmonica well into her nineties. As her children grew older, Terry began working for the Wausau School District as head cook at Wausau East High School. She delighted in serving lunch to her daughters and formed many friendships with students and teachers. In her later years, Mom learned to play golf, enjoyed playing cards, caring for her pet bunnies, and relaxing at their cottage in Harrison Hills. Terry enjoyed the beauty of nature by tending her flowers, picking berries, and feeding the birds.

She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and creating traditions that they will carry with them forever. She was a faithful example to her family, living each day with kindness, gratitude, and a joyful, happy spirit.

Theresa’s humble demeanor and love of God was her source of strength, comfort, and faith that she shared with everyone around her. She was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church and St. Matthew Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir sharing her beautiful voice and volunteered for decades cooking and serving funeral lunches.

Theresa is survived by her 8 children, Roger (Carol) Berens of Wausau, Wayne (Norma) Berens of Wausau, Cindy (Stephen) Clancey of Mounds View, MN, Rose (Steve Vollenweider) Hoffman of Madison, WI, Renee Crooks of Wausau, Karen (Nolan) Rusch of Wausau, Sharon (Rich) Sandquist of St. Paul, MN, Gloria (Sheldon) Schlicht of Naples, FL.

She has 21 grandchildren, Andy Berens, Jennie (Sean) Comfort, Bryan (Kim) Berens, Paul (Jodi) Berens, Keith (Brenda) Berens, Sarah (Yuichi) Morie, Matt (Shelly) Clancey, Mike (Trish) Clancey, Will Hoffman, Sam Hoffman, Peter (Rachel) Crooks, Elizabeth Crooks, Kristin (Chris) Severson, Nathan (Darcey) Rusch, Zach (Jadyn) Rusch, Elliot (Carrie) Sandquist, Stuart (Nya) Sandquist, Eric (Megan) Sandquist, Blaine (Malisa) Schlicht, Alex (Abigail) Schlicht and Erin (Andrew) Maxwell. Theresa also has 30 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Berens; her siblings, Frank Murkowski, Irene King, Thomas Murrow, Roman Murkowski, Edward Murkowski (infant), Mary Berres, Anthony Murkowski, Joan ‘Jane’ Gantner, Marcella Kramer, Leona Zarling, Raymond Murkowski and recently her son-in-law, Kevin (Renee) Crooks.

Her kindness and love will forever reside in our hearts and will continue to inspire and guide us. We find solace in knowing that her spirit lives through the love she has instilled in us. Matthew 25:23 Then the lord said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Mount View Care Center, Aspirus Hospice, and Primrose Memory Care for the loving and compassionate care they provided to our Mom.

In accordance with Theresa’s wishes, private funeral services will be held. Interment will be in St. Michael Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 229 S. 28th Ave., Wausau, WI. 54402-4154 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com