Gerald “Jerry” Berndt

Gerald W. Berndt, 49, of Kokomo, Indiana, formerly of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin found peace in the arms of his loving Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in the morning. Jerry was born on June 15, 1968 in Columbus, Wisconsin to Clifford and Bonnie (Erdmann) Berndt. He was confirmed at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Jerry graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1986. He entered the United States Air Force in 1987 and proudly served our country overseas during Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait. He completed his tour of duty in 1992, discharged as a Sargent. Jerry was employed at Subaru in Lafayette, Indiana for the past 24 years. He enjoyed sports, spending time outdoors, especially fishing with his brothers. Jerry was a loving father, who raised three sons that meant the world to him. Jerry loved coaching baseball and watching his son’s games, and taking family trips together. On July 12, 2015 he married Sandie Bennett in Mackinac Island, MI. Their marriage was filled with many special memories, memories to last a lifetime. He loved to dance, sing karaoke, and have bonfires with Sandie and their newly expanded family. Jerry and his wife, together, enjoyed working on home projects, building a loving home for their families. Although he moved away, in his heart he always held a special place for Wisconsin. He loved the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin’s cheese. Jerry always had a smile, a hug for everyone, and ended every conversation with those close to him with an “I love you”. Jerry was a lifelong believer in Jesus Christ and lived his life according to his faith. Survivors include his wife Sandie J. Berndt of Kokomo; children Austin R. (Taylor Dittfield) Berndt of Kokomo, Adam G. Berndt of Kokomo, Alex J. (Candace Staton) Garcia of Kokomo, Isaiah T. (Katherine) Bennett of Indianapolis, Gabriel J. (Samantha Miller) Bennett of Kokomo, Danielle (Matthew) Cook of Virginia; siblings Darryl (Kris) Berndt of Columbus WI, Tom (Lauria) Berndt of Columbus WI, Nancy (Kevin) Posthuma of Beaver Dam WI, Randy Berndt of South San Francisco CA, and Patti (Lee) England of Columbus WI; grandchildren Christian, Caiden, and Collin Cook and Harla Staton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jeffrey Berndt and sister Pam Denninger. In celebration of Jerry’s life, funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 E. Southway Blvd. Kokomo, with Pastors Bill Allison and Barry Akers officiating. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery with Military Honors by the Kokomo VFW. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St. Russiaville and from 10 to 11 am on Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.stoutandson.com. Memorials may also be made to the family, to benefit his sons. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family locally. Online Condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.