Jacob N. Berens, 88, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Wheatland Nursing Home in Russell.

Jacob was born on October 10, 1923, in Walker, Kansas, the son of Herman H. and Anna (Riedel) Berens.  He grew up in the Walker and Hyacinth area and attended country schools.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Marcella M. Wasinger on October 24, 1944, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays, Kansas.  From this union Jacob and Marcella were blessed with three children Ronald, Diane and Carol.  He worked for Oilfield Services and the City of Russell Power Plant as an operator.  He retired from the power plant in 1989.  He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.  He was also a member of the Sunflower Polka Club and the American Quarter Horse Association.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his many grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife Marcella of Russell, son Ronald Berens and wife Kay of Belle Plaine, daughters Diane Fitzpatrick and husband Billy of Wichita and Carol Mowry and husband Kirk of Olathe; 8 grandchildren Darin, Bryan and Bradley Berens, Billy and Brandon Fitzpatrick, Lance and Desiree Mowry and Brian Penrod; 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Louis, Severin, Robert, Julius and Arthur; sisters Theresa, Margaret, Christine, Ventura, Elizabeth, Sophia and Matilda.

A celebration mass of Jacob’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell with father Charles Steier officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Friday, July 13, 2012, at the mortuary.  The rosary and vigil service will be at 7 P.M. Friday evening at the church.  Memorials may be given to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.