Peter E. Berens, Appleton, age 86, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, March 8, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Pete was born in Kaukauna on April 10, 1938, to the late Sylvester J and Sylvia M (Rabe) Berens. Pete graduated from St. Norbert High School and St. Norbert College, where he earned a degree in History. He married Sandra Stevens in Appleton on July 24, 1994. He was a U.S. Army Veteran. Through the years, he worked at his family's business, Berens Clothing in Kaukauna, worked on his own selling custom suits, shirts and ties for men, and eventually retired from the men's suit department at JC Penney's in Appleton.

Pete loved history, learning, and reading and couldn't wait to go to the newly opened Appleton library. He was very sociable and could talk to anyone. Always curious, he enjoyed talking to those he met and learning about them. Pete also loved horses and chickens and took great pride in his flower garden. In his younger years, he was an avid bicyclist and often made 100-mile trips. He will be lovingly remembered for his kind and gentle soul and dry sense of humor.

Pete is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandy Stevens-Berens; son, Nick C. Berens, of Appleton; grandson, Will (Olivia) Berens; and sisters-in-laws: Mary Ellen Hopfensperger, Pat Stevens, and Meri Lee Erickson. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his daughters: Rachel and Leah Berens; brothers: Paul, James, and John (LaRue) Berens; father and mother-in-law: Loren and Linda Stevens; and brother-in-law, Robert Stevens.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.  His funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Lynn Martin officiating.  Military Honors, conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 and America Legion Post 41, will immediately follow.  Light refreshments will be served during the visitation.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers to consider personally planting a flower or bush in remembrance of Pete.