DAVID J. BERENDS

David J. Berends, age 67, of New Richmond, WI died Monday January 7, 2013 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN surrounded by his family.

Dave was born April 18, 1945 in River Falls, WI to Lloyd and Jane (Hawkins) Berends. He graduated from the Glenwood City High School in 1963 and later served with the US Air Force from March of 1964 until March of 1968 serving at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in MI servicing the planes.

Dave married Judith Sager June 26, 1965 in New Richmond, WI. Dave spent most of his life as a truck driver for several companies, lastly driving for Walmart from 1994 until 2003 when his health did not allow him to continue driving and he retired. Dave also worked for Laventure Crane in the mid to late 1980’s.  He was also an avid race fan, from the local tracks to Nascar and loved working on cars in the pits.

Dave is preceded in death by his mother Jane in 1972, son Joseph in 2002, stepmother Norma in 2012, brother Bill in 2001 and his loyal dog Rex in 2011.

Dave is survived by wife Judy Berends of New Richmond, WI; six children: Michelle (Al) Kallenbach of Hudson, WI, Mary (Dean) Anderson of Glenwood City, WI, Debbie (Barry) Kunze of Star Prairie, WI, Andy Berends (Stephanie Pederson) of New Richmond, WI, Katie Berends (Aaron McNamara) of River Falls, WI, and Joshua Berends of New Richmond, WI; 9 grandchildren: Morgan, Mikayla and Molly Kallenbach, Kellie and Jessica Anderson, Kristen Kunze (Josh Sislo) and Matt Kunze, Tina Thompson and Keira Berends; his father Lloyd Berends of River Falls, WI; brothers and sisters: Thomas (Nancy) Berends of Downing, WI, John (Kathy) Berends of New Richmond, WI, Elizabeth Hudson of New Richmond, WI, Kathy Hansen of New Richmond, WI Ann (Byron) Bruggeman of River Falls, WI, Peter (Cathy) Berends of Parker, CO and Robert (Maureen) Berends of New Richmond, WI. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, January 12, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond, WI with Father James Brinkman as celebrant. Burial was in the Church Cemetery. Anderson Funeral Home in Glenwood City, WI is handling arrangements.