David Joseph Berrens, Sr.

David Joseph Berrens, Sr., 80, of Florence, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2019 after an extended illness.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 PM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with the rosary at 8 PM.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 24, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Father John O’Donnell O.S.B. and Deacon Steve Kirkpatrick officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery.

David was born May 31, 1938 in St. Florian, Alabama.  He was a graduate of Rogers High School. In 1959 he married the love of his life, Jackie Schmidlkofer.  They had 59 wonderful years of marriage.

He was a Machinist and Maintenance Supervisor and was retired from Reynolds Metals Company.  He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 3989.  He loved spending days on the lake fishing and enjoyed growing beautiful vegetables in his garden. He was a fabulous cook and was always happy to throw an extra bean in the pot for anyone who happened to drop by. One of his greatest pastimes was woodworking.  He handcrafted bowls, walking canes, and even toys.  He was a master craftsman who could build or repair anything.  He was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.  He cherished time with his family, children, and grandchildren.  He was our gentle giant and our biggest fan.  He was loved by many.

David was preceded in death by his wife Jackie, his parents, Paul and Sophie Berrens, brother, Paul Berrens, Jr., and sister, Mary Grace Locker.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Berrens White, son, David Joseph (Joe) Berrens, Jr. and wife Deona; grandsons, Bradley Austin McMurtrey and David Joseph Berrens, III; granddaughter, Darby Katherine Berrens; sister, Betty Ann Connolly; brother-in-law, Guy Lawrence Locker; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Peters; brother-in-law; James Daniel Schmidlkofer and wife Glenda; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Active Pallbearers will be grandsons, Bradley Austin McMurtrey, David Joseph Berrens, III and nephews, Bill Connolly, Paul Connolly, John Connolly, and Chris Connolly.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Connolly, Kevin Connolly, Matthew Connolly, Michael Connolly, Guy Locker, Greg Locker, Keith Peters, Greg Peters, Joe Kasmeier, Charlie Meyer, Larry Specker, Charles Krieger, Michael Schmidlkofer, Billy Richardson, and Craig Connolly.

The family would like to thank the staff of Community Care Hospice; especially nurse Denise James, for her love, kindness and compassion.  We would also like to thank the staff at Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing Home. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Loaves and Fishes or the Josh Willingham Foundation - Isaiah’s Call Mission 58, P.O. Box 2194, Florence, AL 35630.

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