Mitch Berendzen

Mitch C. Berendzen, age 44, of Marys Home, died Thursday, July 8, 2010, in an automobile accident in Callaway County.
He was born November 18, 1965, in Tuscumbia, a son of Jake F. and Laverne A. Morff Berendzen. His mother survives in Marys Home. On November 22, 1986, Mitch was united in marriage to Betty Blochberger at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Honey Creek, and she survives at their home.
He was a graduate of Eugene High School and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City.
For the past 24 years Mitch was a union electrician with Rich Howerton, Inc. He was a proud member of the IBEW Local 257.
He was baptized at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Marys Home. On March 2, 1986, Mitch was confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Honey Creek, where he was an active and faithful member of the congregation. He had served in many capacities at the church and was always ready to lend a hand to the many projects that needed attention. He had also served as Chairman of the Immanuel Lutheran School Board at Honey Creek. He was currently Head Elder, on the PSI Building Committee and a volunteer with the Kids in Christ Youth Group.
He was an avid sports fan, coaching baseball and basketball and at one time serving as Commissioner of the Marys Home Little League. He was a member of the Helias High School Athletic Boosters and a supporter of the Helias Football and Baseball programs. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, cooking and butchering for family and friends.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three children, Adam, Kendra and Cameron Berendzen all of the home; brother and sister-in-law, Darrell and Kathy Berendzen of Jefferson City; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Freddy Klindt of Eugene; Nancy and Paul Whitney of Ponca City, Oklahoma; Brenda and John Rush of Marys Home and Sheri and Todd Koestner of Russellville; brother-in-law, Larry Belt of Henley and sister-in-law Debbie Berendzen of Jefferson City; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Jane Blochberger of Jefferson City; brothers-in-law and their wives, Bill and Schellie Blochberger of Russellville and Scott and Melanie Blochberger of Jefferson City, also nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Mitch was preceded in death by his father, three brothers, Harry, David and Kenneth Berendzen and sister, Janice Belt.
Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, July 12, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Honey Creek with Pastor Jeffrey Schanbacher officiating. Interment will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at Honey Creek.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 P.M. Sunday, July 11, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Honey Creek. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Building Fund at Honey Creek.