Joe Berens

Joseph Hubert Berens was born July 20, 1931, to Henry and Lorena (Datterl) Berens in Dunlap, Iowa. He was raised in Dunlap and attended Boyer Valley #1 Country School through the 8th grade. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from June 30, 1954 to January 29, 1956. After his honorable discharge Joe began his career in Omaha operating heavy equipment at Sweenie & Negus. He retired from there in the late 1990s. Joe moved to Dow City in March of 2003 and then to the assisted living center in Dunlap in 2010.

Joe was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dow City. He was also in the Teamster's Union in Omaha. He enjoyed going to church. He also enjoyed buying and trading cars and pickups.

Joe died on Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at the Dunlap Nursing & Rehab Center in Dunlap, Iowa at the age of 80 years, three months, and 12 days.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Howard Berens. He is survived by his four siblings, John (Jack) Berens and his wife Darleen of Huntington Beach, CA, Pauline and her husband Don Schmitz of Dedham, IA, Edward Berens of Dunlap, IA, Helen and her husband Roger Houston of Dow City, IA; sister-in-law, Sue Berens of Scottsdale, AZ; and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial
10:30 am Saturday, November 5, 2011
St. Patrick's Catholic Church ~ Dunlap, Iowa

Celebrant
Rev. Felix Onuora

Musicians
Marilyn Grote ~ EveVonne Muff

Honorary Pall Bearers
Marie Lipot ~ Kathleen Hofmann ~ Jackie Barry
Polly Bauer ~ Jayne Schaben ~ Crystal Parks

Pall Bearers
Brad Berens ~ Jon Berens ~ Joe Houston ~ Mark Schmitz
Alan Schmitz ~ David Schmitz ~ Dan Schmitz
Gary Schmitz ~ Jake Doran ~ Joe Doran

Military Graveside Rites
Dunlap American Legion Post #224
Dow City American Legion Post #444

Final Resting Place
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Dunlap, Iowa