William Dick Berens

William Dick “Bill” Berens 74 of Ellendale, ND died June 9, 2017 at his home. He was born September 28, 1942 to Nicholas Joseph Jr. and Jessie Mae (Harris) Berens at home on the farm in Spencer, NE. Two of his aunts were midwives for his mother. He attended school in Spencer, NE in the class of 1960. During high school he enjoyed playing football, basketball and track, lettering in all three sports. During this time he worked on a ranch during the summer to buy his first car, a white, 2-door 1949 Ford. He also liked steaks, the color blue and his favorite hunting partner was his daughter, Connie. After high school, William joined the Army serving in Artillery. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. He was an expert marksman, sharpshooter and manned the gun of a howitzer tank. Upon returning to the US, he lived in Omaha, NE and worked at Western Electric. In 1980 he moved to Bentonville, AR and owned his own butcher shoppe. A few years later, William moved to Aberdeen where he met his wife Sandra Berens, marrying in 1986. He celebrated his 30th Anniversary last summer in 2016. William and his family moved to Ellendale almost 30 years ago. He worked for Maple Valley, Wheat Growers, Cenex, and the City of Ellendale. They often attended bingo at the American Legion and their kids school events when they were growing up. William became a "dad" figure to many other young people in the community. William enjoyed multiple outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He was a loving, loyal and caring man to his wife and children. His smile was infectious and would light up the room. William is survived by his wife Sandra Berens, Ellendale, ND; brother: Howard Ray (Willie) Berens, Rogers AR; sister: Ramona Marie Berens, Omaha, NE; sons: Gordon Johnson, Nicholas Berens & Thomas (Kristine) Berens; daughters: Connie (Tony) Turnbill, Crystal (Vince) Olson, Cindy Berens, Jacqueline (Randy) Hilmer; grandchildren: Adam Turnbill, Sean Walter, Rachelle Walter (Jason Voss), Alex Pinigis, Erica Pinigis, John Mack Sr.; great grandchildren: Zariah Jane Turnbill, Willow Kay Turnbill, John Mack Jr. and many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his parents and one son Wendell Johnson. A memorial service, with Military Rights, is 11am Saturday, June 17 at Church of the Nazarene, Ellendale with Pastor Andra L. Kee officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.