Theo Berends

October 22, 1941 - December 22, 2021

Theo Berends of Salem, Missouri was born on October 22, 1941, in Topeka, Kansas to Theo Ross Sr. and Marguerite Hanna (Fry) Berends. He passed from this life on Thursday, December 22, 2021, at the age of 80 years. After joining the U.S. Navy, Theo was married to Barbara Happel in 1968. He made a career with the Navy for 22 years. After retiring, Theo worked on the base in Fort Leonard Wood. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing. He was a proud member of the NRA. Theo is preceded in death by his parents, Theo Sr. and Marguerite (Fry) Berends; and wife Barbara (Happel) Berends. Theo is survived by his daughter, Traci Berends of Salem, Missouri; son, Terry Berends and wife Judy of Columbia, South Carolina; brother, Richard Berends and wife Claudia of Berryton, Kansas; sisters, Debbie Blair and husband James of Topeka, Kansas and Delores Iames of Auburn, Kansas; granddaughters, Maddison Berends, and Laura Benstine. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 1:00 P.M. at the James & Gahr Mortuary Chapel in Salem, Missouri with Joel Hayworth officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until service time. Interment will be at the Carty Cemetery in Salem, Missouri. Memorials may be made in memory of Theo Berends to the family for expenses. Cards are available at any James & Gahr location. Arrangements are under the direction of James & Gahr Mortuary of Salem.