John Berends 10/31/2026

John Robert Berends was born to Lloyd and Jane Berends in River Falls, Wisconsin, and was raised in Glenwood City. He attended Camp 9 and Glenwood City public schools and graduated from Glenwood City High School.

On December 9, 1967, John married Kathy in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Together they built a life and family and raised three children, Pam, Brian, and Paula.

John was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and spent most of his military service in Korea.

John worked for several years driving semi trucks for various companies, but the majority of his career was spent with the New Richmond Street Department, where he worked for more than 30 years and retired as Street Superintendent. He took great pride in his work and in the community he served. Among the accomplishments he was most proud of were the Main Street renovation, the new dam, and seeing the streets clean after a huge snowstorm.

Outside of work, John enjoyed traveling, playing cards and dice games, golfing, driving, camping, and spending time with friends. He especially enjoyed visiting with people and making them laugh. John had a way of making time spent together more fun, and the friendships he made throughout his life meant a great deal to him.

John will be remembered for his love of family, his pride in a job well done, his many friendships, and his ability to make people laugh. Whether he was behind the wheel, around a card table, camping, golfing, or visiting with friends, John enjoyed the people around him and made sure they enjoyed themselves too. His family and friends will miss his stories, his humor, and simply having him there.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Pam (Joe Proulx), Brian (Natasha), and Paula (Vern Loving); his grandchildren, Nick and Pat Olien (Grace); his step-grandchildren, Cassie Harer (Brad) and Zach Gustafson (Ashley); his step-great grandchildren, Lucas, Amelia, Maci, and Bowen; his siblings, Tom (Nancy), Kathy Hansen, Ann Bruggeman (Buck), Pete (Cathy), and Bob; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd, Jane, and Norma; his siblings, Bill, Dave, and Libby; and his in-laws, Gaylord and Louise.

A Memorial Mass Of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, New Richmond, Wisconsin at 11:00AM and will be live streamed using the link below.  A visitation will take place at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) New Richmond, Wisconsin on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00PM, and again at church on Saturday at 10:00AM.  A prayer short service will take place on Friday, at 7:00PM.  Interment will be in Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date.  

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.