Dwane (Butch) Berens passed away on July 6, 2020 at his home with his wife Darlene at his bedside.  Dwane fought a courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer for over 2 years.  He was extremely strong and never complained, especially during his illness.

Dwane was born on March 3, 1941 in St Paul Minnesota to Henry & Doris Berens. He grew up in South St Paul Minnesota, graduating from South St Paul High School in 1959. Dwane joined the United States Army shortly after Graduation and was stationed in Pusan (Busan) South Korea with the Occupational Force. After the Army, Dwane started his career in the Printing/Publishing business earning his apprenticeship with Brown & Bigelow in St Paul Minnesota

Dwane married Darlene in February 1965 & they moved to the San Francisco bay area where he continued his career for 13 yrs.

In 1978 Dwane & his family moved to Spokane Washington where he resumed his career as sales manager for Hulett Printing, later joining the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce as manager of a newly established publications department. Later promoted to Northwest regional manager of Lawton Publications where he graduated the Company to National Status

Dwane was a 4 ^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus St Joseph's Colbert, Assembly 8872. As a 4 ^th degree member he served with the Honor Guard.  He held the position of Deputy Grand Knight for 1 year, Grand Knight for 2 years, District Deputy for 1 yr. He was recognized for his efforts as a Knight of Columbus when in June of 2018 he was recognized as the Washington State Knight of the year.

Dwane is survived by his wife of 55 years Darlene; daughter Shawna (Monte) Burnett; grandson Kyle Burnett USAF; great grandson Kyson; sister Katherine (Dale) Malm; brother in law Greg Spencer; sister in law Barbara Sobaski; Brother in law Mark (Laurie) Thelen; many nieces & nephews; and his faithful companion, Coco.

Preceded in death by his parents Henry & Doris Berens; his sister Carolyn Spencer; and his grandson Tyler Berens. Dwane loved working in his shop, building & creating things for himself and family members. He spent many hours volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. Dwane enjoyed traveling & the great outdoors, with his most recent trip to Australia & New Zealand.  He loved fishing and especially teaching his grandsons how to fish and hunt.  He enjoyed his trips to Alaska fishing for King Salmon & Halibut. Most importantly he was a dad and grandpa who taught survival skills and created a lifetime of wonderful, creative and sometimes embarrassing childhood memories.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Joseph's Catholic Church, 3720 E. Colbert Rd., Colbert, WA on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 11:00 with Father Tim Hays officiating. Inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Charitable donations or contributions to Hospice of Spokane or charity of choice.