Kurt Richard Berens

Kurt Richard Berens Kurt was born in Minneapolis to Richard and JoAnn Berens and died June 23, 2023, at the age of 71, after a short battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his siblings - Vickie Apel; his twin Marikay Wolf (Mike); Jim (Joyce); Tony; David (Norma); Joany Peterson (Marty), Katie Roth; and Maggie Cedotal (Kelly Weber); 13 nieces/nephews, 16 grandnieces/nephews; many cousins, friends and loving staff members at his group home, Chicago Place, (Nate O, Nate K, Mike, Paul, Melissa, Mahdi) all of whom are Kurt's family. Kurt was a very friendly guy who loved meeting new people. When you met him, you were his friend for life. You couldn't help being taken in by his enthusiasm, smile, playfulness, and twinkle in his eye! He loved spending time with family and friends; traveling, especially if that involved an airplane ride; and going to concerts and movies, (Rocky and Batman in particular). He loved going out to eat - if you ever added McDonalds as an option, you knew where you were going! And he loved attending sporting events, especially Twins games and Gopher Hockey. Kurt was active in ARLE bowling and softball leagues over the years, enjoying not only the activity, but the company of friends and volunteers. For 33 years he participated in programs offered by Opportunity Partners, and especially enjoyed jobs that allowed him to work in the community. His favorite activity was going to True Friends Camp every summer. He talked about it all year long and made sure at the end of each camp session that he would be going again next year. Simply put, Kurt loved adventure and was always up for something new! Throughout his life, Kurt has been surrounded by a caring and loving group of people. As he grew up, this supportive community grew with him. This combination of family, friends and community members all were so important in making sure Kurt had a full, well-lived life. We would like to thank the hospice team that came into Kurt's home and made sure that he was kept comfortable and pain free during his illness. Kurt's family would also like to extend their love, appreciation, and thanks to the staff at Chicago Place/Lutheran Social Services who have always taken loving care of him. Their compassionate care of Kurt at the end of his life was remarkable. They took on the added care that Kurt needed without hesitation and treated him and his family with extra kindness during this difficult transition. Kurt was fortunate to have you all in his life. You helped provide a full life to Kurt and you showed him dignity, compassion, and grace in his death. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Kurt's favorite activity, donations may be sent to True Friends Camp - truefriends.org or to Lutheran Social Services - lssmn.org who lovingly cared for Kurt for nearly 50 years. A celebration of Kurt's life will be held at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 2200 W Old Shakopee Rd, on Sunday, July 9th at 11:30 AM. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Tributes

Kurt Richard Berens

June 23, 2023

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