William Berndt

William David Berndt was born on September 28th, 1935 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Elmer and Irma Berndt.  He died in the early morning hours of December 13th, 2020 of complications from Parkinson’s disease.  He was 85 years old.

Bill’s early years were spent on the north side of Sheboygan where his father and mother owned Berndt’s Meat Market at 13th and Bluff Ave.  St. John’s United Church of Christ was just a stone’s throw away from their corner store, and it would serve as a steady compass throughout his life. The history of St. John’s UCC was intertwined with his family history. His great uncle, Rev. Erwin Krueger was St. John’s first minister. Grandfather, Emil Herges, faithfully taught Sunday School for over 50 years.  Irma Berndt, his mother, was the church organist.  When tragedy struck their family and Bill’s dad, Elmer, died at 39 years of age; Bill was twelve years old and St. John’s was there for his family.  No matter how many years passed, when asked about his father, Bill’s eyes would tear up; we take solace in the fact that father & son are together again.

Upon graduation from Central High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He was stationed at Dawes Air Force Base in High Wycombe, England.  There he met the love of his life, Christine Duffield.  They married and made their home in England until his active duty was complete.  Bill returned to Sheboygan with Chris and their daughter Lynn in 1958.   In time, Debbie and Mark were born and rounded out their family of five.

As a young husband and father, Bill’s hard work was on display as he delivered groceries for Prange’s; attended night/weekend school at UW Milwaukee; and eventually chose a career in the insurance industry.  He enjoyed being part of St. John’s Brotherhood and was a loyal volunteer at church, Rotary and Elks club, and many other organizations where he saw a need.  The way he conducted himself in business and in volunteerism is not lost on the family he leaves behind.  He will always be someone we aspire to be like and will miss his gentle manner and great smile.

Bill and Chris resided in Sheboygan for many years, enjoying family, friends, golf, and travel.  A fish fry at Johnny’s Supper Club; dances at the Flamingo and Geno’s Top of the First; summer evenings at Elkhart Lake and Riverdale; all these and more, represent simpler times and are memories we hold dear.

When Bill and Chris retired, they moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado to be closer to family. Bill purchased season tickets to the US Air Force Academy football games and always invited a grandchild to accompany him to cheer on the cadets and sing, “Off we go into the wild blue yonder…”. Ever the loyal and steadfast Packer fan, Bill enjoyed Sunday afternoons rooting for Green Bay.

Bill is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Christine; his daughter Lynn Haass (Jamie) their children, Alexandra, and William; his daughter Debbie Rivard (Jay) their children Justin and Tyler; and his son Mark and his children Christina, Jeremiah, Jacob, Joel, Colin, and Caedan.  He also is survived by two great-grandchildren, Eliam and Alyosha.  Bill is further survived by his sister, Barbara of Janesville and brother, Richard (Jean) of Charleston, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Matthew Rivard.

Bill will be buried at Fort Logan Veteran’s Cemetery in Denver, CO on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 30th at 1:15 MST.  Feel free to raise a glass in his honor.  He would love it!  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date due to COVID 19 restrictions.

A memorial fund has been established in his name at St. John’s United Church of Christ 1248 Lincoln Ave. Sheboygan, WI  53081.