John E. Berens, 78, passed away at his home in Wessington Springs, South Dakota on December 24, 2023.
John was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on September 21, 1945, to William “Bill” and LaVerle (Danner) Berens, John was one of eight children and graduated from Kent, Washington.
John is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served honorably in the Marine Corp from 1963 to 1967.
John met Patricia “Pat” Bowles in 1967 and married in March 1970. They settled in Auburn, Washington where they raised three children, Virginia “Ginny,” William “Willy” and Robin.
John retired from King County Metro in 2006 and he and Pat packed up and moved to Wessington Springs.
John devoted his life to his family, auto mechanics and helping others. His hobbies included camping, fixing things, and exploring the roads of South Dakota.
John is survived by his brother Alan May (Lori) of Hartford, South Dakota, two daughters, Ginny and Robin, son Willy; five grandchildren, Melissa Berens, John Uhls, Sara King, Willy Berens and Denise Tanner; six great grandchildren, Alydiah Jo, Buckly, Trigger, Elenor, Patsy and Oliver.
John is predeceased by his parents, Bill and LaVerle, his loving wife Pat, brothers Michael “Mike,” Daniel “Danny,” Robert “Bob” and Dean, sisters Donna and Dawn.
Shortly before he passed on Christmas Eve, he told his family “Fiftyfour Christmases weren’t enough” with his beloved wife Pat who died Friday, July 21, 2023.
John’s absence leaves a void in our hearts, but the many memories of him will fill that space.
