Harold Charles Berendzen

Harold Charles Berendzen, 85, of Eldon passed away peacefully Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Eldon Nursing Home.

Born in Mary’s Home, Mo on September 13, 1936, Harold was the youngest of five children of Joseph Frank and Elizabeth Marie (Beautel) Berendzen.  He was graduated from Eldon High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army from December 1959 to March 1962.

He was married November 18, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eldon to Sally Donna Luke.  He was the proud father of four daughters, Holly Jean, Sandra Jo, and Mary Lee.  His oldest daughter, Rebecca Sue, preceded him in death in 1966.

Harold was a hard worker, having worked in the states of Missouri, California and Alaska.  He was a fireman and brakeman on the Rock Island Railroad until it stopped operating in 1979.  He retired in 1998 from the Missouri Public Safety Adjutant General’s Office.  In 2016, he was privileged to be part of the Honor Flight visiting our nation’s capital with many other veterans of the US Armed Services.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a charter member of the KofC Council #7133 and was a Fourth Degree Knight of St. Jude’s Assembly #1567.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Berendzen of Eldon, brother Wayne (Donna) Berendzen of Broomfield, Colorado, daughters Holly (Jim) Thomas of Charleston, South Carolina, Sandy (Mike) Drake of Overland Park, Kansas, Mary (Mike) Jordan of Jefferson City, grandchildren Brett Thomas, Maddie Thomas, Lexie Drake, Allison Jordan and Danny Drake, brother-in-law Harry Luke of Eldon, sister-in-law Susan Doolin of Eldon and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his daughter, Becky, he was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Berendzen and Stanley Berendzen, sister Betty Lepper, nephews Toby Taylor, Mark Lepper and niece Deborah Thering. Visitation will be Sunday, October 24, 2021 from  4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, Missouri with a Rosary prayed at 4:00 PM.  Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Eldon, MO with Rev. Alexius Ekka officiating.  Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Greenmore Memorial Gardens.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eldon KofC Council #7133, Central Missouri Honor Flight or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO

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