Henry Berenz

Henry “Hank” Berenz passed away unexpectedly at his Durango home on Friday December 13, 2013. Henry or “Hank” as he was known to his friends was an accomplished electronics engineer, real estate broker, building contractor, artist, horseman, farmer and Flamenco guitarist . He was born on April 11, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. After attending Lyden Township High School in Chicago, Hank joined the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1957 where he served his nation during the Korean War. He married Lory, the love of his life in 1953 and the couple was married for 60 years. Following his military service, he earned his degree from DeVry Institute. During his career in electronics Hank had several notable accomplishments, including the development of Vascar Radar as well as numerous aeronautical design projects. In 1969 he developed the first electronic slot machines for J.J. Parker. During his retirement years Hank enjoyed painting and sculpting as well as buying and selling real estate in the Durango area. He is survived by his wife Lory as well as his daughters Cherri Melanson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Sandra Newton of Grand Junction, CO., his son Jon Karl Robert Berenz of Durango and his grandchildren Suzanne Flowers of Savannah, GA, Colten Thompson of Johnstown, CO. , and Charlotte Melanson of Colorado Springs, CO. He is also survived by a great grandson Joshua Parks of Savannah, GA and a future great grandchild. A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday December 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Hood Mortuary in Durango. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans.