Loren Berndt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Loren Lee Berndt, age 78, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota surrounded by family. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at the Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 57th and Minnesota Ave. The funeral service will be held following from 3:00 - 4:00 PM and a meal will be following the funeral. A graveside service will follow at 5:00 PM at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Harrisburg, officiated by Pastor Jeff Hayes. Loren was born on March 29, 1946, in Tyndall, South Dakota, to Arthur and Louise (Grimme) Berndt. He attended Tyndall Schools from Kindergarten through 11th grade before moving to California with his oldest sister Martha, where he completed 12th grade at Marysville High School, graduating in 1964. Loren gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 13 at the Baptist Church in Tyndall, his home church. After moving back to South Dakota, Loren met his future wife, Judy Elaine Hamilton. They were united in marriage on March 29, 1969. They shared 56 wonderful years together, residing in Harrisburg. Loren was a devoted father to their four children: Craig, Chris, Wendy, and Joy. Known affectionately as "Moe," Loren proudly served in the Army for two years during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and received a Purple Heart. After returning home, Loren worked at the United States Post Office in Sioux Falls as a mail handler and forklift operator for 39 and a half years before retiring. In his retirement, Loren enjoyed many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, gardening, camping, bird watching and cheering on his Minnesota sports teams, Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves and also the Harrisburg Tigers. He loved spending time with his little companion dog, Willow, whether it was napping or sitting in the sun or watching sports she was always by his side. He had a special love for grandfather clocks, a passion inherited from his father. Loren passed down grandfather clocks to all family members, along with birdhouses, sharing his interests and memories. He was a beloved grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Loren cherished every moment spent with his family and was their number one cheerleader at all their sporting events and racing events. He loved traveling, especially getting away for the winters and spending summers at the river in Platte at their camper. He had many special friends at the river and enjoyed tending to his garden, playing cards and golf cart rides. In December 2021, Loren was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout his battle, he displayed incredible strength and resilience, never once complaining. Loren is survived by his loving wife and "best partner," Judy, their four children: Craig (Kari) Berndt, Chris (Destiny) Berndt, Wendy (Kelly) Blakney, and Joy (Corey) Stirling; his sister Sharon (Willis) Olsen; his in-laws Russel (Margaret) Hamilton, Peggy Carda (Gene Jaeger), Larice (Eileen) Hamilton, Colin Hamilton, and Sandy (Earl) Wilson; his grandchildren: Chris (Britney) Kullander, Brianna Blakney (John Tirrel), Brittany (Brandon) Appeldorn, Camden Berndt, Kylie Berndt, Kiara Berndt, Brenden Blakney (Kellyn Jackson), Brooklyn Berndt, Ashton Stirling, Aidan Berndt and Gavin Stirling; and his great-grandchildren: William Kullander, Wesley Kullander, Grayson Blakney, and baby girl Appeldorn. Loren is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Louise (Grimme) Berndt; his siblings: Martha, Alice, Arthur Jr., Arliss, Myron, William, and two who died in infancy, Roger and Dwain; his in-laws Larry and Marcielle Hamilton, and sisters-in-law Jane Sedlacek and Norma Hlavac. Loren's legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will forever be cherished by his family and all who knew him. His passion for clocks and birdhouses will continue to tick and chirp in the hearts of those who loved him.