Jon Franklin Berndes

April 1, 1947 – August 16, 2022

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved Jon. He was born in Alva, Oklahoma to Axel and Natalie Berndes. Jon spent most of his life in San Diego and graduated from Point Loma High School and San Diego State University. All that knew him loved him for his friendliness and positive outlook on life.

Jon is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kristin. Also survived by his daughter Berit (Erik), sons Kai and Erik, his grandchildren Sage, Olivia and Oceanea, his mother Natalie, sister Peggy, brothers Scott and Barry, along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his father Axel “Red’ Berndes.

Jon worked for PacBell for many years and after retiring he established his own business, Jansson’s Telephone Service. This gave him the chance to do what he loved most, being out in the world meeting many people who became instant friends.

Jon was proud of his Swedish ancestry and spent much time researching all sides of his family, with some branches back to the 1500s. He found many relatives living close by, and also found some surprises along the way.

Jon introduced his sons to birdwatching and along with them was a contributor to the Natural History Museum’s San Diego County Bird Atlas, observing and charting birds in their assigned 9 miles square area for 5 years.

Jon was a baseball card collector starting in the 1950’s and continuing to recent years. He held Padre season tickets and Aztec basketball season tickets and looked forward to every game. We know that he is with his dad reviewing the USC Trojan football schedule and looking forward to a new football season.

Jon’s favorite hobby in the past few years was growing giant pumpkins. He spent many hours in his pumpkin patch with his prize pumpkins, and loved driving them around San Diego County in the back of his truck bringing a smile to everyone that saw them.

Jon took Kristin to Scandinavia where they found and met her cousins in Norway. He always had a birthday surprise for her including a hot air balloon ride, open cockpit biplane ride, helicopter rides, sailing on an America’s Cup yacht, and so many more memories to be cherished forever.

Jon lived his life with a smile and a positive outlook, and continued that outlook during his battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held on September 18th at 3:00 PM at the home that Jon loved.

Contributions can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, or the San Diego Eye Bank where Jon’s eyes were donated in the hopes that others will be able to see the world as he saw it.

We can take heart that this is not the end, we will meet again. Your life was our blessing and you will never be forgotten.