Community Mourns Loss of Raymond L. Berens, 90, from Benson

Raymond L. Berens, a beloved member of the Benson community, passed away at the age of 90 on December 30, 2023, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota. Known for his deep roots in the area and his contributions to local construction, Berens’ life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial on January 6, 2024, at the Church of St. Francis in Benson. The service is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at the church cemetery.

Visitation for friends and family will take place on January 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church, continuing one hour before the Mass. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. The family requests that memorials be made in lieu of flowers, allowing the community to honor Berens’ legacy.

Born on July 9, 1935, in Lake Lillian, Minnesota, Raymond was the son of Edwin and Ethlyn (Knode) Berens. The family relocated to Benson when he was a child, where he pursued his education and graduated from Benson High School in 1954. On June 2, 1956, he married his wife, Beverly June, at the Church of St. Francis. Together, they enjoyed a marriage that lasted 65 years and were blessed with eight children, 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Raymond’s professional journey began early as he worked on the family farm and began operating heavy machinery in 1948. His commitment to service included time in the National Guard from 1952 to 1958. He later established Raymond Berens Construction, specializing in custom work with dozers and scrapers. In 1965, he expanded his career by driving trucks during the winter months for various companies, including TCI of Benson and Roy Berens Trucking, where he transported livestock to St. Paul.

In 1984, Berens and his wife moved to Colorado Springs. There, he played a significant role in the construction industry, working for Boyer Construction on notable projects, including the final runway at Stapleton Airport. The couple eventually relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, before settling in Vista, California, where he continued to work as an equipment operator and mechanic until his retirement in 1999.

Despite retiring, Raymond’s work ethic did not wane. He briefly returned to the workforce with Kennedy Excavating and later worked part-time for several years. He also spent summers with Commerford Construction and returned to California during the winters. After four years, he took on a full season with Commerford as a truck driver and equipment operator.

Raymond is survived by his children: Susan (Tom) Anderson of Parkers Prairie; Daniel Berens of Benson; Cynthia (Bob) Reiman of Benson; James (Linda) Berens of Benson; Robin (Kimberley) Berens of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Karin Berens of Wichita, Kansas; Ruth Ann (Paul) Reiman of Benson; and Brent (Linette) Berens of Benson. He is also survived by his siblings: Donald (Barb) Berens of St. Louis Park; Clarence “Swede” Berens of Benson; Shirley Vergin of Plato; Sharon (Duane) Bierbaum of Glencoe; Roger “Butch” Berens of Benson; Donna Collins of Benson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife Beverly, brothers Eugen and Vernon, sister Marjorie, sister-in-law Rhoda Berens, and brother-in-law Roger Vergin.

The community remembers Raymond L. Berens as a dedicated family man and a hardworking professional who left a lasting impact on those he encountered throughout his life.