Harry Ronald “Ron” Berneking, 82, of Colorado, formerly of Herculaneum, died July 20, 2021. Mr. Berneking worked at St. Joe /Doe Run Lead Co. in Herculaneum, working his way up from unloading trucks in the storeroom to the position of purchasing agent when he retired in 1999. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Herculaneum-Pevely where he sang in the choir and later was choir director. He enjoyed woodworking, was an avid fisherman and a dedicated gardener, and was known for his goofy sense of humor and simple joy in life. Born Feb. 9, 1939, in Herculaneum, he was the son of the lateMelvin and Bert (Haggard) Berneking.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Betty (Jones) Berneking, whom he married April 13, 1960.; two children: Steve (Riikka Halme-Berkening) Berneking of Staunton, Va., and Kathy (David Knapp) Massa of Thornton, Colo.; a brother: Larry Berneking of Missouri; five grandchildren: Megan Massa of LaSalle, Colo., Allison Berneking of Doylestown, Va., Lauren Grandbouche of Severance, Colo., Jordan Berneking of Richmond, Va., and Aaron Berneking of Santa Monica, Calif.; and five great-grandchildren: Jaxon Wolf of LaSalle, Colo., Livia Berneking of Doylestown, Va., Mia Wolf of LaSalle, Colo., Rory Grandbouche of Severance, Colo., and Liam Berneking of Richmond, Va.
A funeral service was held July 24 at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home & Crematory in Loveland, Colo. Burial was in Loveland Burial Park. Arrangements were under the direction of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home.