Leonard John "Lenny" Berend

Leonard John “Lenny” Berend, age 78, of Windthorst, Texas passed away on Thursday afternoon, January 30, 2025, in Wichita Falls surrounded by his family.

Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Michael Moloney, OFS, Pastor of St. Mary’s and St. Boniface Catholic Churches, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.

Leonard was born November 16, 1946 to the late Alfred John Berend and Pauline Hoff Berend in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He graduated from Windthorst High School and then went to work in the oilfield for Bridwell Oil Company.  He also worked for Berend Brothers.  Leonard was co-owner of Berend Hillside Dairy with his brother, Kenny until 1996 when they sold it.  He then went into the cattle business along with driving a milk truck until his retirement in 2013.

He married Elaine Schenk on December 2, 1978 in Windthorst and together they raised their six children.

Leonard was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed gardening, and riding around looking at his cattle and wheat with an “occasional” beer and Winston.  He also enjoyed reading and spending time with his family and friends. 

Survivors include his wife, Elaine; four daughters, Shawna Teakell and husband, Jay, Summer Wolf and husband, Kurt, Sydney Weakley and husband, Cody, and Samantha Baumer and husband, Robert; two sons, Shane Berend and wife Kristin and Seth Berend; fifteen grandchildren, Kolby, Kenley, Karson, Katy, Wyatt, Charlee, Bryson, Brayden, Brandon, Waylon, Whitley, Grace, Colton, Casyn and Kylie; two brothers, Walter Berend and wife, Mary and Kenny Berend and wife, Karen; five sisters, Evelyn Green and husband, Jim, Stella Hoffman, Clara Mae Veitenheimer and husband, Ralph, Gloria Schroeder, Carmelita Richardson and husband, Claudie; sister-in-law, Cordella Berend; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by brother, Alfred Berend; and brothers-in-law, Bill Hoffman, Louis Schroeder Jr. and Frank Bullinger.

The family suggests memorials to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 230, Windthorst, Texas 76389 or the Windthorst Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 162, Windthorst, Texas 76389.

The family would like to thank Advanced Rehab for all the love and care that they gave to Leonard and also to them.