Birth date: Apr 11, 1940 Death date: Nov 18, 2020
Mr. Jack Arthur Berends, age 80, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Mercy Hospital. He was born April 11, 1940 in Byron Center to Edward and Gertrude (Herrema) Berends. He is survived by wife, Lois; sons: Patrick & partn Read Obituary
Dear cousins. I’m aunt shirleys youngest daughter so one of jacks youngest cousins. I’m so sorry to learn of jacks passing. Hugs and prayers to you all.
MR. BERENDS HIRED ME IN AS AN AIDE AT CEDAR SPRINGS SCHOOLS. MY SON MICHAEL HAD HIM AS A TEACHER WHEN HE WAS IN A WHEEL CHAIR. HE THOUGHT HE WAS WONDERFUL + I APPRECIATED THAT HE HIRED ME IN TO WORK. EVERYONE THAT EVER KNEW HIM WAS OVERWHELMED BY HIS GENEROUS PERSONALITY + SOMETIMES COMICAL IN HIS TEACHING METHODS BUT THEY WORKED WONDERS. WARMEST WHISHES TO FAMILY FROM SHIRLEY {WAITE} HART FROM CEDAR SPRINGS
Mr. Berends was one of the BEST teachers I ever had and I still tell the story of how he turned kids on their heads to explain geometry! He had a wonderful gift and was generous in sharing it! My deepest sympathies to all who cherished this great man and mentor.
Christine Neitzel
Former Student
Caledonia High School
Mr Berends made a difference in my life! In the early 70's at Cedar Springs, he took a group of at risk and troubled boys to Chicago. We spent the night before at his house, left real early and saw the sights. It was my first trip to the big city. He was a great educator who really cared about his students.
Mr Berends was my soccer coach at Caledonia, 1988, 1989. The whole team loved him. One of our favorite times is when he took us to Ludington State Park for conditioning. He had broken some ribs the day before, but didn't cancel the trip. Even though he was in a lot of pain, he still ran around with us and we had a great time! My condolences to The Berends family and may God comfort you.
Sending our sympathy and prayers to Lois and the entire family. Jack was a very special person. He was such a positive influence in the lives of so many as a teacher, coach and real friend to many in Caledonia. I'm sure he will be remembered as a "favorite" teacher and coach by a huge number of former students and athletes, including our sons. Roger and Joyce Keating.
I took Algebra I and got a C but didn't understand it at all. So I decided to take it again with Mr. Berends as a teacher the second time. I finally 'got it' and it was fun! I got an A. He was the best. The first day he put his phone number on the board and made sure we all wrote it down and promised to call him at home if we got stuck doing our homework. I think I called him twice, even once about 10pm, and he was super gracious. What a great teacher and kind man.❤️ I have thought of him every time I've passed his old home on Whitneyville Road and wondered how he was. He really was a positive influence.❤️ I hope all his family take comfort in the many lives he touched for good.
He was the most amazing teacher. Not only did he make math easy he taught some amazing life lessons that I still hold dear to me today. I hope he knows what a difference he made in my life. Heaven has truly gained an angel. You’ll be missed Mr. Berends.
Mr. Berends made math fun. I remember his giving out "little bitty check marks" to the kids who misbehaved! He inspired me to become a math teacher.
Sending comforting thoughts to Pat and the rest of the Berends family...while I still hate math, Mr. Berends had innovative ways of easing the pain of learning it ("what? I get to keep handy a notebook with all the formulas??"). I'm sure many Caledonian students will tell you he positively impacted their school careers. Wishing you happy memories and upcoming peaceful days.
-Colleen Estep, class of 84
