Michael R. Berens

Michael Richard Berens, Jr. was born July 8, 1931, at Union, Illinois, the son of Michael Sr. and Alma Berens. He passed away Monday, February 27, 2017, at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa, at the age of eighty-five.
When Michael was one year old, his family moved to the Schleswig, Iowa, area and subsequently, to the Charter Oak area. Michael received his education at Willow #3 country school near his home. He was baptized in Christ at Union, Illinois and confirmed January 13, 1948, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute, where he continued to be a member.
On June 8, 1954, he was united in marriage to Norma Henschen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ute, Iowa, and the couple was blessed with the birth of three children. Michael served his country as a corporal in the United States Army from 1953-1955 and was honorably discharged at Fort Bliss, Texas. He then began his life-long career of farming.
Michael enjoyed dancing with Norma, playing cards and socializing with family and friends, especially at neighborhood birthday parties. He also enjoyed his John Deere equipment and attending livestock and farm sales. His favorite TV programs included: RFDTV, Big Joe’s Polka Show, westerns and rodeo. He also enjoyed watching football and baseball games.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mark in 2012; one brother, Hubert; and three sisters, Luetta and husband, Fred, Betty and husband, Clarence, and Marie. Survivors include his wife, Norma; one daughter, Jayne and husband, John; one son, Tom and wife, Jenny; seven grandchildren: Annee, Jessica, Dan, Sean, Carter, Brody and BreAnna; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Alex; and one sister-in-law, Helen.