Randall Thomas Berendt

Randall Thomas Berendt, age 74, of Elgin, IL, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024.  He was surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren as he progressively battled COPD this last few years.

Randy was born November 24, 1949 in Hammond, IN to his loving parents, Eugene and Shirley (née Freeman) Berendt.  He was the oldest of five children and was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael Berendt.  Randy is survived by his brother, Darrell (Linda) Berendt of Estero, FL; and sisters, Cheryl (Russ) Christensen of Pensacola, FL and Theresa (Matt) Jester of Peoria, IL.

Randy attended Wheeling High School where he wrestled and played football, and graduated in 1967.  He served in the US Air Force and married his high school sweetheart, Darlene (née Geimer) Berendt on September 4, 1971.  They had three children and were married for over 52 years.

Randy and Darlene were members of St. Mary’s Parish in Elgin. Randy worked as a traveling sales manager in the food industry, representing DelMonte, Lenders Bagels, Pet Life and many others.  On the weekends, he enjoyed mowing the lawn, catching a round of golf with friends or associates, and watching the Chicago Cubs or Bears most Sundays.  He rarely met a stranger, and had a knack for making everyone feel welcome wherever he was.  He loved singing at church, hosting parties, playing the piano and guitar, and had a passion for music which he passed on to all of his children.

He is also survived by his children, Jeff (Shelley) Berendt of Springfield, IL, Jaclyn (TJ) Zimmerman of Petersburg, IL and Jennifer (Luke) LeViere of Ferndale, WA; ten grandchildren, Hannah (Zach) Boyle, Abby (Blake) Thomas, and Natalie Berendt of Springfield, IL, Justin, Drew, and Nathan Zimmerman of Petersburg, IL, and Adele, Jacob, Selah, and Mercy LeViere of Ferndale, WA; and five great-grandchildren, Avery, Beckham, Sawyer, Hayden, and Cal.

Visitation will be 9:00am until funeral mass at 10:00am, Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Mary Church of Elgin, 400 Fulton Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Rev. Bruce Ludeke will be officiating.

Interment with military honors to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, IL 60067.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or the COPD Foundation.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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