Deanie Berens

Geraldine “Deanie” Berens, 90, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center, just nine days after her beloved husband of 72 years, Richard “Dick” Berens. Their family finds comfort in knowing that the two of them are together again.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank with a time of sharing and Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. Fr. Tom Hartman will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Geraldine “Deanie” was born on March 19, 1935, in Webster, SD, to George and Lorraine (Fromelt) Mosey. One of six children, she grew up in a bustling household where there was always someone to talk to, something to help with, and a sibling to look out for. She graduated from Milbank High School. On May 30, 1953, she married the love of her life, Dick Berens, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

From the very beginning, Deanie and Dick were a team. They farmed for 17 years, raising grain, livestock, and—most importantly—their five children: Barb, Tom, Tim, Bob, and Lori. Deanie managed the household with a steady hand and a warm heart. She cooked, cleaned, organized, soothed, encouraged, and kept everything running, even when the days were long and the work was hard. Her children grew up knowing that no matter what was happening around them, their mother was the constant. In the early 1970’s, before the grocery store existed, Dick built a roller-skating rink in Milbank called The Playhouse. It quickly became a favorite gathering place for local kids, many of whom were friends of her own children. Deanie worked the concession stand, handing out popcorn, candy, and smiles to the steady stream of students who came through the doors. She got to know many of them by name, and they adored her. Those years at The Playhouse were full of music, laughter, and the kind of community connection that came naturally to her.

In 1976, The Playhouse was converted into Berens Warehouse Groceries, which Deanie and Dick operated for 39 years. Deanie greeted customers with her familiar smile and helped build a place where the community felt welcome. It was a true family business—every one of the kids and several grandchildren worked there at some point. Deanie was the familiar, welcoming presence customers loved to see.

Faith was woven into every part of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and active in Catholic Daughters and the Ladies Altar Society. Her quiet strength and steady devotion were evident in the way she lived. Deanie loved simple joys such as bird watching, a challenging puzzle, and a cup of coffee with friends. She enjoyed traveling with Dick and with family, and she never turned down a trip to Las Vegas or a visit to a casino. She loved board games with her children and grandchildren, and she was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins—cheering, celebrating, and occasionally shaking her head at them.

Some of her most treasured memories came from the family cabin at Big Stone Lake. Summers there were filled with birthday parties, laughter, fishing, and the kind of carefree days that become family legend. The grandkids adored it, and so did she. As a family, they also enjoyed snowmobiling and going to races, where Dick and Tom often competed. Deanie bowled for many years with a wonderful group of friends and belonged to a Bridge club she cherished. Those were lively, social years—full of activity, friendship, and fun. As she grew older, her pace slowed, but her pride in her family only grew. She loved being part of five-generation photos, a point of joy she shared often. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were her greatest blessing, and she followed their lives with deep affection and interest.

Deanie’s life was defined by love—love for her family, love for her community, and love for the man she walked beside for more than seven decades. She was gentle, steady, and endlessly supportive. She created a home where everyone felt welcome, a business where people felt known, and a family that will carry her legacy forward.

Left to cherish Deanie’s memory are her children: Barb Berens of Chandler, AZ; Tom (Linda) Berens of Corona, SD; Tim (Elizabeth) Berens of Stillwater, MN; Bob (Michelle) Berens of Milbank, SD; and Lori McCann (Gary Stevens) of Chandler, AZ; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Ken (Dixie) Mosey of Oro Valley, AZ; Don (Polly) Mosey of Sioux Falls, SD; and Rick (Niki) Mosey of Ortonville, MN; sister, Renae (Ron) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD; along with many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Diane (Dick) Trevett; and nieces: Holly Mosey and MaryLee Trapp.