Gertrude Berndt

Biography Gertrude “Gertie” B. Berndt, age 90 of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Harris Villa of Westfield. She was born on July 23, 1924 in the Town of Springfield, daughter of the late Otto and Dora (Buchholz) Henke. Gertie graduated from Westfield High School in 1941. She married Harry H. Berndt on August 19, 1945 in the Town of Springfield. Harry preceded her in death on September 4, 1966. Gertie worked for the Selective Service and then for the United States Postal Service. She also worked part-time as an assistant for A.J. Weckwerth, D.D.S. and as an election helper at the Village of Westfield voting site. Gertie was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and a past member of the church’s finance committee, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Westfield Alumni Committee, Westfield Card Club and bowling league. She also volunteered her time at blood bank drives and the Marquette County Fair. Gertie enjoyed traveling, playing cards and spending time with her family.

Survivors include her four children, Robert (Catherine), West Bend, Richard (Donna), Wisconsin Rapids, William (Rebecca), Verona and Diane “Babe” (Richard) Pladziewicz, Mt. Horeb; eight grandchildren, Janelle, Michelle, Kelli, Amanda, Rachel, Nathaniel, Tanya and Sara; 12 great grandchildren and two more on the way; one brother, Martin (Betty) Henke, MN; two sisters, Caroline (John) Duesterhoeft, Westfield and Dorothy Schroeder, Fond du Lac; two sisters in law, Hildegard Henke and Verla (Eldon) Henke Bengsch, both of Westfield; many other relatives and friends. Gertie was preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Hilbert and Gerhardt “Smokey” Henke; sister in law, Elaine Henke and brother in law, Elroy Schroeder.

A funeral service for Gertie will be held on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield with Rev. Gary H. Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Westfield East Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

She always was and will forever be beautiful.

Gertie’s family would like to thank Nan Hinze and the entire staff at Harris Villa for the loving care they gave to our mom.

Please take a moment to view the online guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Gertie with her family & friends.