William Berken

William R. "Bill" Berken, age 78, passed away in Shawano on Saturday March 4, 2023, due to complications with COPD. Bill was born in Green Bay on September 22, 1944, to the late Raymond A. "Moe" and Mary (Keehan) Berken. Bill grew up in Green Bay and after finishing high school he enlisted in the United States National Guard where he served his country proudly and honorably. On September 21, 1968, he was united in marriage to Barbara Baye, in Green Bay, Barbara preceded Bill in death in 1994. Bill was a master plumber by trade and was an owner and operator of Berken and Moesch Plumbing in Shawano for many years. Bill was a kind and selfless man with a strong faith in God. He loved the bible and sharing God's word was the most important thing to him. Bill sponsored children from different countries, helping to provide them with basic needs and the word of God. He traveled as a missionary spreading God's word and helping to build churches. Bill loved his family dearly and cherished spending time with his grandchildren. A wonderful father and grandfather will be deeply missed.
Bill is survived by: his children, Ginger (Tony) Powers, Christina (Jason) Andringa and Nick (Sonja Peterson) Berken; his grandchildren, Isaiah Andringa, Isabella Andringa, Ryan (Janeska) Gust, Cody (Jade) Gust, Jordan (Aiden) Gust, Hailee (Devin) Powers, TJ (Dehani) Powers, Jeremiah (Dana) Powers and Jenny Powers; 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, John (Mary Kay) Berken and Mary Beth (Dale) Cenefelt. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary; his wife, Barbara; his son Daniel Berken; a granddaughter, Becca (Joe) Reinke; and a brother, Tim (Cheryl) Berken.
A funeral service for Bill will be held at 11:00 am on Friday March 10, 2023, at Hope Community Church, in Shawano, with Pastor Ed Zook, from Bethany Baptist Church in Tilleda, will be officiating. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm and again at the church on Friday, from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery at a later date.