Alfred George Berndt

MINNESOTA CITYAlfred George Berndt, 95, of Minnesota City, died Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Winona Health. Alfred was born September 21, 1919 in Winona to Frank and Anna (Zimmerman) Berndt. He graduated from Winona Senior High School and Winona Business College. On March 29, 1941, Alfred was united in marriage to Olga Wieczorek. He served in the United States Navy during WWII as Yeoman 2nd class Petty Officer in the Pacific and earned five bronze stars before being honorably discharged. Upon returning home from the war, he and Olga started their family and raised four children. The family lived on Latsch Island and moved to Minnesota City in 1969. Al worked for the City of Winona for more than forty years. He began his career as City Recorder and Court Reporter, then City Treasurer for more than twenty years. With only an adding machine and ledger books,he alone handled the city's finances. Al was inventive, ingenious, and a perfectionist. He could fix anything and find a solution to any problem. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, boating and gardening. Above all, he was proud to be a family man. He was a member of the VFW, Red Men's Club and Central Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Olga Berndt of Minnesota City; children Jeanne (William) Russ of Montgomery MN, Dianne (John) Berndt-Connors of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Gayle Berndt of Weaver, MN and Roger (Debbie) Berndt of Friday Harbor, WA; Grandchildren Gregory (Vicki) Russ and Kathryn (Daniel) Sprenger; great-grand chilren, Brenna, Veronica, Katrina, Anthony and Dane Russ, Ryan and Danyka Sprenger. Alfred was preceded in death by all his siblings, Frana, Elmer, Leona, Edwin and Lorraine, and his granddaughter, Caroline Hirschman. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, June 25th at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview. Funeral service will be 1:30 pm Friday, June 26th at Central Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior. Alfred will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors provided by the VFW Post 1287. A reception will follow at the church.