Franklin H. Berens

Frankie. B. Uncle B. Pappy. Grandpappy. Everyone had a name for him besides his actual name, Franklin Henry Berens. His ability to make people laugh and to feel at ease around him made him a joy to be with, and the nicknames abound. 

50 years a Kansas resident, by way of Wilmington, Delaware, Frank's journey was complicated, but one of enduring love that was unfettered by distance. Born to Alema and Norbert Berens on 4/30/1947, he was raised from an early age by his Aunt Lois and Uncle Bob Peoples, whom he lovingly called Mommy Lois and Daddy Bob, and grew up with his sisters, Ruth and Lois Ellen, and his brother, Alan. Frank was loved and cared for as their own, which influenced Frank's outlook on family later in his life. 

Frank attended McPherson College, graduating in 1972 with a major in English, which was a great source of pride for him and his family. After graduation, he set out across the U.S. with his best friend, Bob Knechtal, traveling from coast to coast, seeing avocado farms in California, Native American settlements in the southwest and finally settling back in McPherson. Frank was a machinist for most of his adult life, but returned to college in his late 50s to get his teaching degree, at which point he became a substitute teacher and para educator for special education students in the Emporia school district.

Frank met the love of his life, and devoted wife of 48 years, Marcie Colleen Baird in the fall of 1975, and they married on August 21st, 1976, in McPherson, KS. Frank and Marcie had two children, Robert Jesse and Katherine Alema, in 1977 and 1979 respectively. Frank filled his family’s life with laughter, singing, music, adventure and a robust world view. 

Frank was a voracious reader who never lost his desire to learn, especially passionate about world history. He was a music lover and dedicated fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. And while he had left the east coast, his love for a good cheesesteak persisted. During his college years, he made enduring friendships in the Mug Club that was the source of great stories and wonderful memories for Frank.

Frank passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Buhler. He was 77 years old.

Frank is preceded in death by his mother Alema, father Norbert, aunt and uncle Lois and Robert Peoples, and brother Alan Peoples. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Marcie Berens, son Robert and his wife Danielle, his daughter Katie and her husband Andy. Frank's greatest joy was his grandchildren, Nicholas Berens, Jacob Berens, Grace Sears, Coleton Hines, Spencer Hines and Emmielynn Berens. He is also survived by his sisters, Ruth and her husband Herman, and Lois Ellen and her husband Jim.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, Frank would love donations to the Heifer International charitable organization, and they can be sent in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.