Martin Berndt Obituary

HUBERT - Lt. Gen. Martin Richard Berndt, 63, of Hubert, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, while surrounded by his family.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, 2011, at the Protestant Chapel on Camp Lejeune.

Lt. Gen. Berndt retired from the United States Marine Corps with 36 years of distinguished service.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diana; daughter, Danielle Niemann of Tampa, Fla.; sons, Martin D. Berndt of Greenville and Dennis Berndt of Asheville; father, Richard Berndt of Oreland, Pa.; brother, Donald Berndt of Maple Glenn, Pa.; and grandsons, Jack, Tyler, Martin, Julian and Rowan. Lt. Gen. Berndt's first granddaughter, Abigail Elizabeth, is expected to arrive in September.

In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation may be made to the Wounded Warrior Battalion of the 2nd Division. Checks should be made payable to Wounded Support Fund Inc., P.O. Box 9538, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547.

Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jacksonville Daily News from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Berndt

10 Entries

David "Bull" Gurfein

September 4, 2011

Hero, leader, role model, and mentor. I was extremely fortunate and honored to have met Major Berndt early in my Marine Corps career. While a part of Marine Forces, Panama, he would counsel me, provide me guidance, and keep me out of trouble (well, at least he would try). Later I served as his Mortar Platoon Commander when he Commanded 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. Throughout my time in the Corps, I was fortunate to connect with the General several points along the way. Each time, he would inspire and motivate me. Despite being a highly successful, respected, and admired leader, he remained humble. He was the epitome of the selfless servant. Diane, we only met a couple of times several years ago. However, my heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family.

Terry Moore

August 31, 2011

I am deeply grieved by the loss of LtGen Berndt. My thoughts and prayers to Diana. He was a great Commanding Officer and friend, I am privileged to have been given the honor of working with him. Fair winds.
Terry Moore

Geoff Corson

August 22, 2011

To Diana and the Berndt family,
I was Col Berndt’s S-1 when he was a MEU Commander and Gen Berndt’s G1 when he was a MARFOR (MARFOREUR) Commander. Like others who knew Gen Berndt, it was my distinct honor to serve with him over the years and bear witness to his steadfast devotion to our Corps and his unwavering loyalty to, and compassion for, his Marines. The many tributes to the Gen I’ve read so far are testimony to the everlasting impression he made on us all. The Marine Corps prides itself on the maxim of leadership by example… with Gen Berndt we all benefited from the gold standard. It is with great sadness that we bid Gen Berndt farewell but take solace from fond memories of shared service with a truly great Marine.
Semper Fidelis,
Geoff Corson
LtCol USMC (Ret)

Neil Hartenstein

August 22, 2011

Linda and I are both saddened to hear of the passing of Marty Berndt. We have fond memories of him and Diana while stationed in Stuttgart,GE and Camp Lejeune. He was a great Marine and a superb leader. Our thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the family.

August 22, 2011

I was priviledged to serve with Gen. Berndt as his 24th MEU chaplain during the 1995 deployment. He was indeed a humble man and a superb commander. My prayer is that he will rest in peace and that his family & friends will find comfort & strength during this time of grief.
Gerald Blackburn, CDR, Chaplain Corps, USN (Ret.) [email protected]

LtCol Jim Desy, USMC(ret)

August 22, 2011

We are all less with his passing, but we all given more for having known a Marine of LtGen Berndt's character, integrity, and strength. I served for him several times, and came to know him quite well in his retired career. There is a Persian proverb that speaks to the four knids of men, and runs, in part: "...The man who knows, and knows that he knows, he is a prince; follow him." LtGen Berndt was a prince, and a Marine's Marine, and one of my personal heroes. I will miss him. My prayers are with the family and friends during this time.
God bless,

Gerd Naydock

August 21, 2011

It is with deepest sadness that I learned of the death of my former commanding officer with whom I served in the early 1980s. He was one of those rare individuals who lived his life from the values he publicly espoused and endorsed. More than anyone else, he taught me the true meaning of the word "integrity" and was a model of behavior worthy of emulation. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to Marty's family. Memory eternal!

Mark Roberts

August 21, 2011

Our deepest sympathies to the Berndt family.

Bre Garrett

August 20, 2011

My deepest love and sympathies go to the entire Berndt family. I have known Dennis, the youngest of Gen. Berndt's children, for over 13 years, and I know the amazing impact that his dad had on his family and the nation. "The weight of the world is love" - may you each hold tight to the love Gen. Martin Berndt showered on you and the home he made for you through his life. It is quite rare in today's society to have a 42 year marriage - and the glorious blessings of so many beautiful grandchildren. May you embrace moments of peace from the continuation of family and the regeneration of the General's magnificent soul. peace to you. Diana, bless you!

Todd and Michelle Hines

August 18, 2011

Todd and I are sincerely sorry for your loss. I remember John and Danielle's wedding weekend and the fun we had singing karaoke! Sure wish we had chance to get out and visit again. We thank God for taking away his suffering and know that Martin is watching over his family in peace. Also wondering why it was so soon. The Lord must need him for His devine plan. Praying for peace and understanding to the family.
Todd, Michelle Hines and Family

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