William Berndt

To view the livestream of William Berndt's funeral service, please click on the Tribute Wall tab above and select watch now. William (Willie) R. Berndt, 78, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Johnston on Saturday, January 8, 2022. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory with visitation one hour prior beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dale Swift Philanthropic Fund in memory of Willie. Willie was born on June 22, 1943 to Betty Belle Thompson and Gerald N. Berndt in Eagle Butte, South Dakota where he grew up. He graduated from Eagle Butte High School in 1961 and went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree from the South Dakota School of Mines. He continued his education and received his master’s degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. He married Diane Ginn on November 30, 1968 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Willie served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded two bronze stars and was honorably discharged. He worked at John Deere as a Metallurgical Engineer and retired after a 37 year career. Willie was a highly intelligent man, but a man of few words. If he said something, it always mattered what he had to say. He and Diane spent the last 20 summers at their cottage in Madawaska Lake, Maine. When the locals knew he was coming back, they would wait in line with their list of things they needed help with or fixed as Willie could fix anything. He was an enthusiastic gardener who loved hunting and fishing with his two sons. Willie is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Diane; son, Gregg (Shanda) Berndt and their 3 kids, Colton, Logan and his only granddaughter, the light of his life who brought him so much joy, Peyton, and son Adam (Jennifer) Berndt; brothers, Gary (Vickie) Berndt and Walter “Jake” Berndt; sisters, Barb Berndt, Deb (Lee) Lesmeister and Julie (Duane) Anderson; brother-in-law, Gregg (Mary Ann) Ginn; and a very special sister-in-law, Brenda Thomason. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Betty; and a grandson, Billy. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com