Barbara Ann Berens

Barbara Berens passed away suddenly on May 24, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Known for her unwavering love, strength, and devotion, Barbara’s life was a testament to her family’s joy and her deep Christian faith.

Barbara was born to Wes and Marion Stengel, who she now joins in God’s kingdom. She is survived by the love of her life, William (Bill) Berens, and together they created a life filled with love and cherished memories. Her siblings, Gregg (Nancy) Stengel and Cindy (Ted) Nowak. Her two children, Bryan (Kelly) Berens and Nikki (Matt) Sansone. Her four granddaughters: Kassidy (Jordan) Farrey, Skylar Berens (Reagan Ries), Keelyn (Justin) Denzer, and MaKenna Berens. Her three grandsons Ambrose, Henry, and Brooks Sansone. Her great-grandchildren, Eli Farrey (son of Jordan & Kassidy Farrey) and Lennon Denzer (daughter of Justin & Keelyn Denzer). And many nieces and nephews.

In 2021 Barbara wrote a compilation of short stories that captured her life and memories that she then shared with her family. In her own words, she shared how she would like to be remembered:

I would like to be remembered as having been a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. I would like to be remembered for being there for my family and friends whenever they needed me. I would like to be remembered as always being encouraging and showing up for my children and grandchildren when they needed me or when they were participating in activities and cheering them on. I would like to be remembered as being a strong woman and loving my family more than life itself. I would like to be remembered as being a good Christian and practicing my faith and setting an example for my family.

Like I said above, these are the things I would like to be remembered for. However, I am human and have many, many faults and self-doubts. I do love my family more than life itself and I would do anything in my power to do anything for them that they needed. However, sometimes I get angry, frustrated and tired and as such I don’t always act so loving. Sometimes my patience isn’t what it should be and I get out of sorts easily. Many times I am not as strong as I pretend to be. Many times I feel like I am falling apart and don’t know what to do or where to turn. Again, this is because I am just human. When these feelings of frustration, anger, and being weak overcome me, I turn to my faith and prayer for guidance and strength. My prayers for this strength is answered when God reminds me I have my family and friends to lean on and this is all I need to keep going.

I want to be remembered as being a regular person - a sinner who knew God and trusted Him. He gave me my wonderful family who made me the person I am, and for that I want to be remembered as being part of a fabulous, loving, happy, complicated, silly and growing family who, I hope, will always stay close and love each other.

To quote a stanza from Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance”:

Our lives are better left to chance;

I could have skipped the pain,

But I’d have had to miss the dance.

I would like to be remembered dancing with my husband whether it was in our living room, weddings or by the campfire!!!

Barbara will always be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Memorial Service for Barbara will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Greenfield Park Lutheran Church located at 1236 S 115 St. West Allis, WI 53215. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with the service beginning at 3:00pm.

After the service, the family will host a Celebration of Life. Details will be shared in the coming days.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Berens family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home 
• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com