Ray Edward Berend

Ray Edward Berend was gifted to be born into the family of Lawrence and Helen Berend of Windthorst, Tx, on July 22, 1945. He was number three of six which most likely explained his penchant for negotiation. Windthorst was his home until he left to attend the University of Dallas later transferring to St Mary’s University where he earned his accounting degree, and subsequently went to work for Padgett & Padgett, later becoming its managing partner and owner of Padgett, Stratemann and Co.

Ray was involved in many areas of community life and had a tireless work ethic learned from his parents, and could easily be referred to as a bull dog when there came a project. He never let loose of it until it was done. His main passions were those of education always feeling that was the pathway out of poverty. He was most recently active with Ascension DePaul, Catholic Community Foundation, St Mary’s University, the Knights of Columbus, The Medical Foundation and his Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, where he was invited by Fr Mark Dreves to head his Vocations Committee. He was sure that was because he spent one year in seminary at Subiaco, Arkansas as a freshman in high school, in complete homesickness. He was actively involved in the ACTS community and encouraged other men, especially young fathers to go on an ACTS retreat. More recently he was involved in the LoveStrong couples retreat ministry. He firmly believed marriages and family are under attack and that it was the responsibility of our community to support them. Early on Saturday mornings he could be found at That Man Is You, a dynamic men’s program that focused on men being spiritual leaders in their families and in the community. He was very grateful for his two years with the Fulton Sheen group which continued to enlarge his heart for the Lord. His latest adventure was bagging groceries for St Vincent de Paul. He wielded an occasional hammer or caulk gun for Habitat for Humanity and was always grateful to work beside friends.

Ray went to his real home on June 5, 2023. His passing was shockingly sudden of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. His last words to me (besides I love you), his wife of 56 years, was to please tell his trainer that he was missing his Monday workout - something he did religiously multiple times a week.

Ray had no desire to linger at the end of his life and this prayer was certainly answered. He left this world as a picture of health reminding us all to be ready at any moment. We know not the day nor the hour…Matthew 24:36

Ray leaves behind to celebrate his life his wife, Dorothy of almost 57 years; his daughters, Christine and son-in-law, Fred Rodrigue, Kelli Berend, Russell Cook; grandchildren, Kade, Sean, Emily, Hudson, Robby; his special niece and nephew, Stephanie and Haydn Woods; his siblings, Gerald and Nancy Berend, Marilyn and Richard Wachsman, Larry and Peggy Berend, David and Laura Berend, Carol and Terry Sales; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. The annual 4th of July celebration that his parents began when he was 9 years old stands tribute to strong family connections and will be celebrated, but without him at his domino seat.

Ray was a friend to many and was therefore blessed with many friends. He was looking forward to his annual baseball trip with the “baseball guys” of which they discussed baseball and other world affairs on Monday afternoons.

It seems only fitting that his wife of 56 years should be writing his life story. I can truly say I married a man of complete integrity and his relationship with the Lord grew bigger every day. I was blessed beyond gratitude to share life with him. Did I mention that we were married for 56 years?

Pallbearers are the “baseball guys” Chris Maguire, Denny Alvey, Jeff Weaver, Doug Schueneman, Michael Delaney, Tom Gruidl, Rick King,and longtime friends Ray Strauch and Chaz Neely. Godchildren, Adam Berend and Lee Berend.

You are invited to wear joyful colors and the baseball cap of your choice. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ascension DePaul or to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

He will lie in-state from 10:00a.m. to 12noon, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

VISITATIONSATURDAY, JUNE 10, 20231:30 PMHOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH8134 BLANCO ROAD

ROSARYSATURDAY, JUNE 10, 20232:00 PMHOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH

FUNERAL MASSSATURDAY, JUNE 10, 20232:30 PMHOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH

Reception to follow Mass.

Burial will be in his hometown of Windthorst at St Mary’s Cemetery on Monday, June 12 at 11:00 am.