On the evening of July 18th, Harry J. Berendt, age 94, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord. He was born in Detroit MI on July 22, 1927, to Frances Starwas & Harry Berendt Sr. Harry had a long and full life, happily married for 74 years to Margaret who preceded him this past April. Harry met the love of his life at a local dance sponsored at St Lawrence and married her on August 28th1948. Together they raised four children, Jerry (Donna) Berendt, Debbie (Robert) Militzer, Mary (Chris) Boyd, and Craig (Sharon) Berendt. Grandfather and Great Grandfather to Aaron & Amy (Maddie) Berendt, Nathan (Jackie) Berendt, Matthew Berendt, April (Kalise, Kiera) Militzer, Emily (Lucas) Hollister, Abby Militzer, Evan & Erin (Layla) Boyd, Noel & Lara Boyd, Jesse & Dayna (Levi, Benjamin, James, Della) Boyd, Reece Boyd, Alec & Sarah (Ethan, Brooke) Berendt, Jason (Taylor) Sielinski. Harry is preceded in death by his sister Bernadine Kurzawa and his brother Fr. Peter Berendt. He is survived by his sister Theresa (Andy) Mikulec.
Harry had quite the life! He joined the Navy in 1945 and served the final year of the war proudly aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. Upon returning from the war Harry, along with his friend Al Zoltowski, opened a back-alley repair garage in Detroit named B&Z Collision. In 1948 they moved to Warren Ave & Livernois in Detroit conducting business as Duo Collision till 1988 when, as the surviving owner he retired. During that period Harry was highly active with founding the IGO/ASA (Independent Garage Owner/American Service Association) organization for protecting the rights of the independent automotive service shops throughout the United States. He held various officer roles through 34 years including president and ending his tenure as treasurer.
Harry had quite the creative mind. He was awarded two patents. One for designing the first down draft automotive spray booth. The other for developing the first continuous automotive frame straightening tower system (RAM-BERE). Both are now prevalent in some way, shape or form in collision repair facilities throughout the country.
Harry was the ultimate handyman and talented craftsman. Virtually every family member and family friend had a signature project completed in their home by Harry, be it a cabinet, staircase, floor, wall, roof, or room designed/repaired/removed/replaced! You name it – Harry could get it done and done right! He obviously loved cars and restored a 1937 Packard that was his pride and joy for a number of years.
Harry and Marge loved to travel and spent many vacations in Northern Michigan along with road trips to California, Arizona, Washington, Florida, and Indiana visiting the sights and family.
Since late 2015 Harry was challenged with anuretic dementia. But being a devout Catholic, the family is at peace knowing that upon meeting the Lord he is whole again with Mom at his side. We were most certainly blessed to have him in our lives. His love, guidance (“Is it a want or a need?”), and helpful nature will be greatly missed. We love you very much and our hearts will carry you forever till we meet again.
A private family memorial will be held in his honor on August 22, 2022.
Memorial gifts to St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat Center (https://www.stpaulretreat.org/general-donation/) would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries for the Berendt family.
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