Obituaries
Obituary: David M. Berens
Dave was a devoted husband and an amazing father, who always made life in the Berens family fun, and cherished time spent with his family.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
David M. Berens
David “Dave” Michael Berens, age 60, of Channahon, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 5, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
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Born August 2, 1965, in Joliet, he was the son of Edward Berens and Georgia Herron, and was a graduate of Plainfield High School with the Class of 1983. Dave worked as a union laborer and construction foreman through Laborer’s Local #68 for D Construction, Coal City.
Dave was a loving and devoted husband and an amazing father, who always made life in the Berens family fun, and cherished time spent with his family. He will be remembered for his hard work and selflessness, as well as being a fond father figure to many other young people in his life.
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An avid bass fisherman, he and his son, Alec, were accomplished tournament partners participating in fishing tournaments throughout the country. Dave also thought time spent with his dog, Bailey, and nurturing the hummingbirds in his yard was time well spent. He also enjoyed football, watching the Hallmark channel with his girls, and front porch sitting.
While his son was in high school, Dave volunteered as Boat Captain for the Minooka High School fishing team, coaching and chaperoning the team even after Alec graduated.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 33 years, Julie (Piatak) Berens; his loving children, Haley (Sam Parker) Berens, and Alec (Laura Elsey) Berens; his sister, Patricia Berens; his brother, Billy Herron; three nieces, Kalia Berens, and Nyari and Laylah Herron; his wife’s parents, Sandy and Don Piatak; two brothers-in-law, Chris (Debbie) Piatak and Vince (Gina) Piatak; and nephews, Joey, Jacob, and Jason Piatak.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Berens and Georgia Herron; his step-mother, Loma Berens; and nephew, Chance Herron.
Visitation for David Berens will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 2:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and interment will be private.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
