February 09, 1939 - July 20, 2021
Harry Ronald Berneking (“Ron”) was born February 9, 1939 in Herculaneum, MO to parents Melvin and Bert (Haggard) Berneking. He married Betty (née Jones) Berneking, April 13, 1960. Ron was a life-long (“cradle roll”) member of the First Baptist Church of Herculaneum-Pevely, MO where he relished the opportunities to sing in the choir and later, to lead the singing as the Choir Director. He was at his best when “on stage.” His genuine joy of life spilled over into his habit of talking to anyone, even including strangers. He loved to brag about all his “kids” and found such happiness and laughter anytime he was with family, often showing off his keen sense of humor and goofiness. Ron thanked God daily for the blessings of his life and family, and he prayed for all of us, by name.
He worked his entire career at St. Joe Lead / Doe Run Lead Company in Herculaneum, MO, where he began in the storeroom unloading trucks and ended “in the office” as the Purchasing Agent, the position from which he retired in 1999.
In addition to his leadership and service roles in his home church, Ron enjoyed woodworking. The homes of families and friends bear witness to his skills and satisfaction of sharing them. He was also an avid fisherman and dedicated gardener, proud to show off his best roses and tomatoes each summer. In his final days at home, he would keep a keen eye on his tomato plants, reminding us that “soon we can pick those, but they’re not ready yet.” We enjoyed them as a family without him, on the same afternoon he passed peacefully into eternal rest.
He is survived by Betty his wife of sixty-one years; children Steve Berneking (Riikka Halme-Berneking) of Staunton, VA and Kathy Massa (David Knapp) of Thornton, CO; brother Larry Berneking (Missouri); grandchildren Megan Massa (LaSalle, CO), Allison Berneking (Doylestown, VA), Lauren Grandbouche (Severance, CO), Jordan Berneking (Richmond, VA), and Aaron Berneking (Santa Monica, CA); great-grandchildren Jaxon Wolf (LaSalle, CO); Livia Berneking (Doylestown, VA); Mia Wolf (LaSalle, CO); Rory Grandbouche (Severance, CO); and Liam Berneking (Richmond, VA).
Graveside Service
Monday, July 26, 2021
10:00 AM
Loveland Burial Park
1702 Cleveland Ave
Loveland, Colorado 80538
