Frederick "Fred" Edward Berens passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 after a brave and optimistic battle with a sudden illness.

He was born in Massillon on April 22, 1939 son of the late Frederick "Fritz" and Alice (Haas) Berens.  He attended St. Mary's grade school and was a 1957 graduate of Central Catholic High School.  He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Ricker on September 14, 1957.

Fred was a devoted and faithful servant to his family, church, friends and community.  He retired as choir director of St. Barbara Church in 2013 after 47 years of dedication and service.  He was the founder of the St. Barbara's Minstrel and served as the director for over 30 years.  Fred co-produced and co-directed the annual Madrigal Feast which was held during the Christmas season.  For many years he served as a member of the Parish Finance Committee; was president of the St. Barbara's Men's Club; was past president of the school's parent-teacher association and numerous committees.  Fred also served as the designer and Project Manager of St. Barbara Church expansion, the addition of four classrooms to Holy Cross Academy – St. Barbara Campus, and the Parish Life Center.  Fred also designed the new signs being erected at St. Barbara Church.  He was a 3rd and 4th Degree member of Massillon Knights of Columbus Council #554.  Fred's strong tenor voice is and will always be remembered by many Massillonians as the "voice" of the National Anthem and Alma Mater at the Massillon Tiger football games for 21 years.  Fred also represented the city of Massillon by singing the National Anthem at the Cleveland Indians baseball games during Massillon night.

Fred began his career in engineering and design when he worked at the former Griscom Russell, Republic Steel Corporation and Terrazzo and Resilient Floors.  He co-owned and operated Bianchi Bicycles in the mid 70's.  In 1980 his love of architecture and entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop and open Bengal Enterprises.  He served as CEO, President and Designer for Bengal Enterprise.

He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren at family functions, dinners and celebrations.  He had a passion for golf and fishing and enjoyed vacationing in Florida and Canada.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Wanda (Ricker) Berens with whom he recently celebrated 57 years of marriage, six children Mark (Debbie) Berens, Diane (Mike) Crofut, Karen (Ralph Jr.) Cox, Lisa (Jim) Seckman, Amy (Scott) Wallace all of Massillon, Bruce Berens of Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren, Heather Berens, Brandon (Jessica) Berens, Kristin (Tom) Ledger, Kelly (Chris) Savage, Shane Seckman, Chelsea Seckman, Adam Crofut and Colton Wallace, nine great-grandchildren, sister Doris Peters, Betty (Terry) Passerini, Mary Alice Rooney and brother Robert (Linda) Berens.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. At St. Barbara Catholic Church, 2813 Lincoln Way W. Massillon, Ohio  44647.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10 A.M. with Revs. Brian Cline and Thomas Cebula celebrants.

Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred's memory towards the purchase of hymnals at St. Barbara Church.

Please leave condolences at www.heitger.com

Heitger Funeral Home – Massillon Chapel   330-833-3248