Robert A Berends

Robert A. Berends, 82, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at Newton Medical Center.

He was born Dec. 10, 1931, in Alta Vista to Walter and Myrtle (Odle) Berends. On Oct. 24, 1957, he married Deloris Bennett at Pawnee, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on Feb. 22, 2005.  Robert was a member of New Life Assembly of God church in Newton. He was retired as a machinist for AGCO in Hesston.  Robert was known as a kind-hearted man with a great faith and special relationship with God. He greatly enjoyed family vacations with his children as they were growing up. Robert was a skilled carpenter and built part of the house he raised his family in. He also built very special doll cradles he shared with his daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening and canned and preserved his harvest for his family as they were growing up.

Robert is survived by two sons: Alvin Berends of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Arnold Berends of Dallas, Texas; two daughters: Deanna Thiessen of Whitewater and Dinah Johnson of New Boston, Texas; two brothers: Bill Berends of Columbus, Georgia, and Marvin Berends of Walton; three sisters: Elsie Hamilton of Soldier, Joyce Padgette of Florence, and Lois Nicholas of Wichita. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  Robert was preceded in death by his parents; wife; granddaughter: Ralene Johnson; grandson: Michael Berends; and two great-grandsons: Randy and Ryan Berends.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2014, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Jay Anderson presiding. Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home. Graveside committal service will be 3 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2014, at Woodland Cemetery in Cleveland, Oklahoma, with Pastor Dan Edens presiding.  Memorials are suggested to Asbury Park, in care of Petersen Funeral Home