Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1935
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Berens Obituary
Fond du Lac - Faith, family, friends and fishing, not necessarily in that order. These filled the days of Robert "Bob" "G.Bob" Berens, 83, who passed away suddenly at St. Agnes Hospital on March 27, 2019. Husband, dad, and "Grandpa Bob" were some of the hats he wore, but he was so much more. This honest, hard-working jokester, who loved to be outdoors, shaped the lives of his 7 kids and 36 grand and great-grandkids.
Bob's story began on July 24, 1935 in Fond du Lac, a son of Raymond and Frances (DuFrane) Berens. He was schooled at Goodrich High, UW Oshkosh, and the U.S. Army before he started his family which began when he was united in marriage to his wife of 61 years, Cecelia "Sue" Pilon Berens.
Bob was raised and raised his children in the same home on Lake Winnebago. He was interested in many things as he grew through life. He participated in golf, volleyball, horseshoes and other activities where friendships were fostered, stories shared and the "rare" glass of beer was imbibed. He was active in many organizations such as the Eagles, Fond du Lac Park Board, and served as President of the Blue Line Hockey Club. Along with his wife Sue, he owned and operated Pilon Adjustment Service until their retirement in 2002.
Above all of these activities, he loved lake life. On Lake Winnebago he spent uncountable hours fishing and gardening, with patience and productivity that was difficult to match. Life on the lake was his passion. Life lessons were taught to his kids and grandkids, through time honored stories, harvesting tomatoes, onions, pumpkins or perch, unraveling a twisted reel, quiet participation with a warm sun or chasing to the harbor beating the next coming storm. With the end of each trip, he fondly concluded: "Let's go home". His final trip has come.
Bob is survived by his wife Cecelia "Sue"; children Mary Cerny, Dick (Molly) Berens, Mark (Kathy) Berens, Dave (Renee) Berens, Sam (Hale) Jay, Chris (Cheryl) Berens and Joel (Jenny) Berens; grandchildren Andy (Emily), Charlie (Alex), Bill (Christine), Betsy (Gabe), Maggie B., Addie, Mary Kate, John, Emily, Nora, Bridget, Ellie, Peter, Jackie, Timmy, Erin (Scott), Paula (Jonathan), Angie (Tyler), Tommy, Justin (Linden), J.T., Josh, Maggie J., Angie (Matt), Jenny, Michael (Britney), Kayla, Sara, Brett, Brody and Cailyn; great grandchildren Jules, Ava, Hattie, Thomas and Evelyn.
Bob is further survived by a brother, James (Joan) Berens, brothers-in-law, Melvin Mueller, Joseph (Stephanie) and John (Pat) Pilon, sister-in-law, Mary Claire Dorn, other relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his brother Richard Berens, sisters Pat Schmitz and Betty Mueller, a son-in-law Paul Cerny, grandchild Ray Berens, brothers-in-law Tony Schmitz, Mark Pilon, sisters-in-law Ann Pilon, Elaine Leeson, Mary Boulay.
Visitation: Bob's family invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, on Thursday, April 4, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:45 AM.
Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Noon at the church.
Memorials can be directed to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York or Holy Family Catholic Parish, Fond du Lac.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Berens
Sponsored by Zacherl Funeral Home - Fond du Lac.
Roger Korinek
March 24, 2020
He has been missed, but not forgotten!
Teri Nelson
July 24, 2019
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Bob & my late husband pheasant hunted together for several years. We had such fondness for both Bob & Sue and I'm sorry to have lost touch after my husband passed. My prayers are with you Sue as yours were with me during my time of need.
Teri Nelson
Joe Guyette
April 5, 2019
My condolences to Sue, Mary, Dick, Mark, Dave, Sam, Chris and Joel
and his 36 grand and great-grandkids
Bob was all about his family who he dearly loved - taught his family and his hockey teams to persevere - his passion as a husband, father, outdoorsman, coach, and his friendship was always steadfast everyday of his life. There are so many memories when it comes to coaching hockey with Bob - great conversations with Bob and Sue at many events throughout the years. When Bob spoke - you listened !! I like so many others will miss him dearly!
Joe Guyette
Keith Stephany
April 4, 2019
Bob was one of the nicest men I have ever meet . He was my hockey coaches for many years . He taught use many things on the ice and about life I still remember one practice when he told us passing the puck across ice was like shooting at a pheasant shoot where its going not where it was . That's so true . I would run into him once and awhile and always talk for a bit . I feel lucky to have had him for a mentor He will be missed Keith F. Stephany
Linda Sailer
April 4, 2019
I will always remember Bob as a man with a good sense of humor. He was the best hockey coach Brad had he was tough on the boys but they loved him. We had some awesome times together as a family. My condolences to Sue and her family. With deepest sympathy Linda Freiberg Sailer
Paul Braun
April 3, 2019
My friendship and good memories of Bob go back 62 years when he and Sue were dating. They include some interesting anecdotes when we worked together on the construction job building Highway 41 south of Fond du Lac. Lake Winnebago produces many memories including a wonderful boat ride on Bob's party boat 2 years ago when Bob took me past my parent's former cottage. We talked about politics and contemporary morality. Bob was thoughtful and forceful in his viewpoint. I sure will miss more of those conversations. We all will miss this good man but we have wonderful memories to keep and his good example of a life well lived.
Colleen Halfman
April 2, 2019
My condolences to the Berens Family.
Scott Woodley
April 1, 2019
We will always remember Bob in a very positive way. He never gave up or gave in and was always steadfast and passionate about what he believed in. We are proud to have known him!
Scott & Jean Woodley
Musky Bob Jacobs
March 31, 2019
Bob was a good friend of mine all them years watching hockey games together doing hockey Unlimited another hockey Engagements I will miss him you have my condolences Musky Bob Jacobs
Roger Korinek
March 31, 2019
What a man! Truly an honest, kind, and compassionate man. Loved by all ages. One of the best I've ever known. Raised a great family, loved his grand kids, and loved his country!
Roger Korinek
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Berens's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Berens
Funeral services provided by:
Zacherl Funeral Home - Fond du Lac875 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Berens's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
