Jerome H. Berendsen

Jerome Henry Berendsen, age 87, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Robert Schaller will officiate. A Rosary Service will begin at 8:00AM at the church. Visitation will then be held from 8:30AM until the time of service at 10:30AM. Burial will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids with military honors performed by Wisconsin Rapids American Legion Post #9.
Jerome was born on August 8, 1936, in Long Prairie, Minnesota to William and Marie (Peters) Berendsen. He graduated from Crofton High School in Crofton, Nebraska. Jerome proudly served in the US Navy Sea Bee Corp from 1956-1960. He married Susan Shields on June 26, 1962, in Newport News, Virginia.
Jerome worked as a Safety Officer at Superior Coaches in Lima, Ohio for 20 years. Following his retirement, he worked at Creekside Assisted Living in Mount Vernon, Washington, in maintenance and facilities. Jerome was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and volunteered at Meals on Wheels and the Aging and Disability Center.
Jerome enjoyed woodworking, trains, steam engines, and attending tractor shows. He also cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jerome is survived by his children, Eric (Cathy) Berendsen, Dana (John) Wogerman, Aubrey (Kristen) Berendsen, and Nicole Merriman (Dave); grandchildren, Brittany, Ian, Angelica, Maleah, Christian, Gemma, Jacob, Nicole, Catherine, Jonathan, Maria, Timothy, Anna, Isaac, Charles, Birgitta, Edward, Anthony, James, Gianna, Willow, Nathan, Konner, and Dana; great-grandchildren, Hadley, Levi, Matthew, Alena, Jerome, Leo, Thomas, Peter, Annie, Becket, Andrew, Henry, Jude, Sophie, Grace, Gerard, David, Anastasia, Charlie Rose, Malakai, Eliza, Benedict, Barbara, Sebastian, Fabian; brothers, Raymond Berendsen, Norbert Berendsen, Joseph Berendsen, and Daniel (Pam) Berendsen; sisters, Theresa Burnham, Elizabeth (Noel) Peters, Barbara (Doug) Bloomberg, and Laurie (Mike) Bruce; brother-in-law, Jeff (Marion) Shields; sister-in-law, Ritchie; and nephew, Lane Shields.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie Berendsen; wife, Susan Berendsen; great-grandson, Levi Edwards; and brother-in-law, Mark Shields.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jerome's name to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank VA Home Based Health Care, Compassus Hospice, and Jenny from Village Care.