David "Dave" M. Beranis

David “Dave” M. Beranis, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Ascension All Saints-Racine. He is now probably banging on St. Peter’s Gate trying to explain why he should be let in. Dave was born in Racine on July 24, 1939, the second son of Theodore C. “Ted” and Grace J. (nee: Hansen) Beranis. He was a graduate of Washington Park High School “Class of 1957”and was drafted by President Kennedy, serving in Co B 720th Military Police at Fort Hood, Texas. He attained the rank of Corporal. On October 30, 1974, he married Sherri M. Brien (nee: Bergren) in Waukegan, IL. It was the second marriage for both. They were together for 50+ happy years. Dave was on the Racine Police Department for 28 years, retiring in 1990. (Patrolman, Traffic Investigator, Training Officer, Communications Sergeant, and Patrol Sergeant). Dave was a Security Officer and Santa Claus at Bank of Elmwood for many years. He was Account Manager for several guard services at J.I. Case sites. Dave was Security Officer at S.C. Johnson, remembered as the guard greeting arriving employees at the Howe Street gate, wearing white gloves, smiling, and waving to everyone as they entered. During the spring, summer and fall, he loved being at the summer cottage on Presque Isle Lake in Northern Wisconsin. He didn’t hunt or fish but enjoyed watching animal feeders being visited at night by deer, bear, raccoons, and fox. During the day smaller birds and animals would come to feed-hummingbirds, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, ducks, squirrels, and chipmunks were daily visitors. Occasionally eagles, turkeys, geese, porcupines, and skunks visited the feeders. He enjoyed just sitting in a chair in front of the cottage watching the lake and boat traffic cruising by or enjoying the rides on the rustic roads viewing the scenery. He joined the Presque Isle Lions Club. He volunteered to organize the Presque Isle Lake Association annual picnics for several years. During his retirement he delved into his ancestry and wound-up including thousands of people who are only remotely connected to him. He wrote several short stories chronicling his life in the Racine Police Department, Army days and his family. Survived by his wife, Sherri, two sons Michael A. (Tanya) Brien, of Burlington, Patrick T. (Kelly) Brien of Whittenberg; three grandchildren Cullen and Delaney of Burlington and Nickolas of Green Bay. Also survived by his brothers, Theodore A. (Karen) of Florida, Gary M. (Michelle) of WI, IL or FL (depending on where the care to be) and his sister, Lynn A. Schlater of Burlington, and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He lost a daughter, Dawn Marie Beranis at childbirth during his first marriage. There will be no visitation as almost all of his good friends and relatives have passed away. Private graveside services will be held when the ground thaws in Presque Isle. Dave wants everyone to remember him as he was, full of life, laughter, and good times.

Tributes

David "Dave" M. Beranis

July 24, 1939 - January 27, 2024