Donald C. Berndt

Donald Berndt, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, lived to age 95 and passed peacefully after suffering a stroke on December 15, 2019.

He is survived by Maxine, his wife of 71 years; daughters, Karen Manwiller, Cynthia Berndt and Lynette (David) Arneson; grandchildren, Erin (Steven) Osero, Nathan (Binga) Manwiller, Collin (Sarah) Arneson and Amelia Arneson; great-grandchildren, Megan Osero, Logan Osero, Osten Osero, Katelyn Osero, Keegan Manwiller and Zayden Manwiller; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Hugo Berndt; and siblings, Helen Berndt, Clifford (Della) Berndt, Ruth (Herb) Lerud, and Marilyn Stowe.

Donald was born at home near Mayer, Minnesota, prematurely, after his mother suffered a fall on the ice on their farm. They kept him warm on the wood stove oven door with little hope of his survival. He was strong, a survivor from the start, and thrived.

Don had a lifelong passion for aircraft that was fostered by Elmer Sell, the owner of Sell Airfield across the field from his home. During WWII, when the time neared for him to be drafted, he joined the Army Air Corps and was later assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps. He also received B-24 and B-29 Aircraft Mechanic training. He later served in the Vietnam War Air Force Reserve.

Don worked all his life as an aircraft mechanic. Starting with jobs at small airports in Wisconsin and Minnesota, he later worked as an FAA A&P IA Aircraft Mechanic, A&P Instructor and Examiner, Commercial Pilot, and FAA Principal Airworthiness Inspector for MN and western WI. He joined the EAA and in 1965 founded EAA Chapter 237 at the Anoka County Airport. He was an Anoka County Volunteer Deputy Sheriff in the 1970's and was proud to have rescued a 14 year old girl from harm and to testify on her behalf. Don was an avid deer hunter and a fisherman enjoying both summer and ice fishing.

While working at the Amery, Wisconsin airport he met Maxine Johnson who was to be his lifelong love, partner and wife of 71 years. They were married on June 27, 1948. He remembered thinking as she walked down the aisle on her father's arm, "What have I gotten myself into?" Thus began a life together that included 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, much respect in his steadily growing career and volunteer work, comfortable homes, abundant gardens, vacations of camping, time at the lake, and travel near and far. His was a life well lived.

Services to be held Saturday, January 4, 2020, 11:00am at the Coon Rapids United Methodist Church. Visitation at 10:00am prior to the service. Private interment at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to EAA Chapter 237 Young Eagles or the Disabled American Veterans.