John W. Berens, 72, passed away in Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints, on Thursday, September 8, 2011. John was born in St. Paul, MN, on July 22, 1939, the son of the late Frank and Agnes (nee: Heilmann) Berens.

On January 27, 1962, in St. Casimir Catholic Church, here in Racine, he was united in marriage to the former Joyce LaFave. John had been employed by Racine Steel, and then by S.C. Johnson for over 30 years, retiring in 2004. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church, the Johnson 20 Year Club, J.M.B.A., and the Traffic Club of Racine and Kenosha. John enjoyed drawing, water colors, golf, and cooking. His true love was the time spent with family and friends.

Surviving are his wife Joyce; their children, John F. Berens, Robert A. (Dana) Berens, all of Racine, Michael (Jackie) Berens, of Franklin, and Kristine K. Berens, of Racine; 9 grandchildren, Kayla, Justin, Emily, Hailey, Taylor, Hope, Zach, Ernie (Laura), and Jena; great grandson Khale; sister, Sheryl (Richard) Manhoff, of New Berlin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Johansen.

His Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, September 12 ^th , at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Entombment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. The family would prefer memorials be directed to St. Lucy Catholic Church.