Donald L. Berndt, 71, longtime educator, of Waverly, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at his residence.
He was born March 30, 1940, near Waverly, son of Leonard P. and Ella Baggerly Berndt. He married Peggy Hunt on June 6, 1962, in Waverly, and she survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Kelly Edwards and husband Doug of Waverly and Micki Goebel and husband Ed of Harvel; one son, Donald L. Berndt II and companion Patty Kilby of Mechanicsburg; seven grandchildren, Mandy and Amber Armstrong of Waverly, Carl, Josie, Nathan and Shawn Goebel of Harvel and Valerie Bouillon of Mechanicsburg; one great-grandson, Lance Farley of Mechanicsburg; one sister, Norma Lacey of Jacksonville; one brother, Darrell Dean Berndt and wife Terry of Arlington, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Roberta Sue Berndt; and one brother, Lawrence P. Berndt.
Donald was a 1958 graduate of Waverly High School. He was a graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville, and continued on, receiving a Master's in Chemistry from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Donald taught at several schools including, Waverly, Beardstown, Springfield and Riverton, retiring in 2010. He loved coaching track at the Waverly High School and was responsible for organizing the Waverly Holiday Tournament each year. He was a member of the Waverly First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking but his greatest joy was his family and taking pictures of his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Waverly First United Methodist Church in Waverly. Burial will be at Waverly East Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the Neece Funeral Home in Waverly. Memorials may be made to Waverly East Cemetery or Waverly Fire and Rescue Squad both c/o Neece Funeral Home, 349 Tanner, Waverly, IL 62692. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.

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Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on May 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Berndt

38 Entries

A Student

May 28, 2011

Mr. B,
As I ponder the many warm and caring memories shared in this guest book, I only hope that your family can find comfort and solace in the knowledge of the many wonderful contributions you made to those around you. Whether you recognized it or not, I believe you attained your innermost, hidden goal while encouraging others to do the same, when you answered your calling to become a teacher, coach, and mentor. The old saying goes that everyone is put on this earth for a reason, and you Sir, lived every moment humbly and as if you did not recognize this within yourself, because you weren't in it for the materiality that so many people look for today, but it seems as if you were answering the calling completely unaware, that you were fulfilling not only your own dreams, but unselfishly helping so many fulfill and live theirs too. Anyone and everyone whose lives you touched, whether directly or indirectly, benefited from your gift of teaching. Mentors such as yourself are very rare, and the most inspiring of all was that you did really care. I smile and remember the awesome teacher you were. You taught Chemistry to 2 generations of our family - myself in college and my daughter in high school.
A greater, kinder, and more knowledgeable teacher there will never be, so three loud cheers for Mr. B!!! You taught us how to love Chemistry, how to love life, how to love and respect others, and how to love the sound of laughter. I will never forget the day my daughter showed me her class schedule and I immediately recognized your name Mr. B, and broke out into a large, knowing grin. My daughter had been anxious about taking Chemistry but I was able to quell her fears and anxiety right then & there. The intensity and passion you displayed in the classroom has yet remained unmatched by any other teacher I have had,
and though your passing has made many sad,
it’s memories like this that we shall continue to recall,
that are truly the greatest and most powerful gifts when shared with one and all.
Thank you Mr. B,
for being a wonderful teacher,
and most Blessed you will always be.

Matt & Tracy Love

May 15, 2011

Peggy, Michelle, and Kelly - Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We remember Mr. Berndt as a caring, but tough teacher/coach who gave his is all each and every day both in and out of the classroom. He was truly dedicated to preparing us for life beyond high school.

Linda Lynn

May 15, 2011

Rest in peace "Mr B" from one of the lunch ladies at RCHS. You will be missed.

Paula Mitchell

May 15, 2011

Peggy and family: I am sorry to hear about Mr. Berndt. I was not able to attend the visitation, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.

Mindy Bennett

May 14, 2011

Mr. Berndt was one of my favorite teachers at Riverton High. He tried to pretend he was cranky, but I saw right through him. He was the nicest teacher and really cared for his students. I remember his desk always being messy and he liked it that way, but he would let me clean it up for him every once in awhile. He also let me come in when I free time and just hang out with him:) Great memories from Medical Terminology with Mr. B. My sympathies and prayers are with your family at this time.

Ryan Holladay

May 14, 2011

Mr. B , you never actually taught me , but every time we met in the hallways you asked me about bass fishing and how it was going. You were a great person and i will miss you...

Patty Handy

May 13, 2011

Peggy and family--I am sorry to read about Don's passing. I used to fear flunking chem, physics, and math classes in high school but somehow with Mr Berndt's help I survived. It is so nice to read the notes from his many former students at Waverly and elsewhere showing how many lives he touched.

Jessica Hilbert (White)

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was by far the best teacher I had in high school. I looked forward to chemistry everyday so I could talk obsessively and have him tell me "twin, shut it." From day one he knew who I was and everyday would ask how sports or life was going. He was a great mentor for life lessons. My thoughts go out to his family, he will be truly missed!

Amanda Stevenson

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was a wonderful teacher. He will be greatly missed by any student who's life he touched. I am truly glad to have known him. I looked forward to his class because he was always willing to go the extra mile for his students. My heart goes out to his family. You'll all be in my prayers.

Sheryl and Steve Lucca

May 13, 2011

Berndt family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. "B". Both of my boys were able to experience his teaching and life skills at Riverton High School. They always talked so highly of him and took every single class he taught. I am certain that as they both went on to college and took Chemisty and Physics that they appreciated his classes even more. Please accept our condolences.

Brenda Martin`

May 13, 2011

You were a great teacher. You were amazing. Chemistry was the best class ever. You will be missed but never forgotten. We love you Mr. B.

Jillian (Rachford) Theis

May 13, 2011

Each day, I looked forward to chemistry class, not because my friends were there, but because of Mr. B. His enthusiam was contagious and I'm so thankful that I was able to learn from him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will greatly be missed!

May 13, 2011

Kelly, Micki, and Mrs. Berndt,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I really wish I could be at the funeral to lend my support in person. I have great memories of being at your house, on our short road trips from Blackburn. I remember him as a wonderful man! Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!

Chuck Breitwiser and family.

cathy shafer

May 13, 2011

Mr. Berndt was a good teacher, coach and mentor. He will be greatly missed by one and all. My heart goes out to the family. God Bless.

Jessica Smith

May 13, 2011

Mr. B wasn't just a fantastic academic teacher of many things, but he was a wonderful life teacher as well. His life is truly a blessing to all of us. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends and will be in my prayers.

Melinda King

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was a great teacher. I am truly glad to have known and been taught by him. He will be greatly missed!

Duane Ladage

May 13, 2011

Whether an athlete or student, Coach Berndt always inspired, nurtured and taught excellence for lifelong success! My thoughts and prayers are with the Berndt family.

Janet DeLong DeWitt

May 13, 2011

I remember Don also taking that extra mile for another brother of ours. His name was Delmar and he took Alegbra three years in a row trying to pass it. Mr.Berndt
said "y"ou got to do this or you won"t graduate. Delmar did pass the class and get his diploma but it wan't official for two weeks after his class walked across the stage without him. Don and Mary Green treated him to a milk shake for his graduation gift. Don was the first in line at my brothers visitaion in l976 wheb he passed away. Thank- you for being there for our family and my thoughts are with your family.

Gina Collebrusco

May 13, 2011

It breaks my heart to hear of Mr. B's passing. He was a wonderful human being. I was fortunate enough to have him as my high school chemistry teacher my sophomore year. When I took the class, I was sure I'd do horribly, but Mr. B was very patient and more than willing to help me and all of his other students out whenever we needed it (and for me, that was often). He was passionate about teaching, chemistry, and his students, and he will be deeply missed by all of the students whose lives he touched.

Victoria McKinnon

May 13, 2011

I had the pleasure of his teaching during my college years and my daughter was taught by him during her high school years. He made learning Chemistry easy! My heart goes out to his family and friends. I am sure that he will be greatly missed!

Joe Rapp'e

May 13, 2011

"A great educator and mentor. He will be deeply missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and payers."

Josh

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was an amazing man, a great teacher, and a great mentor. He is one of the few people who you can say actually changed people for the better. I'm privileged to say I knew such a great guy, with a true heart and a great personality; he will be missed.

Amy (Priddy) Foley

May 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Berndt. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have known him. He was not only one of the best teachers I have ever had, but one of the most amazing people I have ever met. No doubt-he will be missed by all. May he rest in peace!

Glenna Carlberg

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was one of my favorite teachers in High school. My husband had the honor of having him in Chemistry, but I did not. He still knew exactly who I was and everyday as I was walking to Home Ec or Foods he always greeted me with that big smile!. He was so full of laughter and loved all of his students very much!!! My family is surely going to miss him!!! -- The Carlberg Family!

Mollie Roberts

May 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Mr. B was an amazing teacher and he will be greatly missed.

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was such an amazing teacher . He was such a funny man , and never hesitated to help you . He will forever be missed . He and his family will be in my prayers.

Seth McCormick

May 13, 2011

mr. b was and always will be my favorite teacher. he once told me that it was he who killed all the dinosaurs. he was funny that way. he always made everyone laugh, and he always put a smile on everyone's face. he was truly a great man and an amazing teacher. he will be missed greatly and my heart goes out to his friends and family.

Kaitie Turpin

May 13, 2011

Mr. B was my favorite teacher, greatest mentor, and most cherished friend. I will forever miss him and his lectures about "Mickey Mouse Stuff". Rest in peace until we meet again! <3

Susie (German) Logan

May 12, 2011

Peggy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, you certainly have our sympathy. I'm too old to have known Donnie as a teacher, but rather as a fellow student. I always thought it was so neat that a "home town boy" came back to teach at "his" high school and become a revered teacher. May some of these fond memories help you through these tough times.....

Kristen Kasper

May 12, 2011

I am very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful, caring man and a great educator. He was my Chemistry teacher for three years at Riverton High School and taught me a great deal.
I hope it is a comfort to hear from the many, many people who loved him dearly over the years. He will be greatly missed.

Bruce Twenhafel

May 12, 2011

Peggy and family...My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Mr. Berndt [I could never call him anything other!!] was one of my best teachers and an outstanding mentor in HS. I have great memories of teasing him when he worked at the Red & White store on the Square and I was a little kid. Blessings for you and your family.

Alex Galvez

May 12, 2011

My thoughts and prayers to him and the entire family.

Ethel Bowen-Creasey

May 12, 2011

Mr. Berndt was a fantastic teacher, even if I couldn't grasp algebra. I made my living in accounting using what he taught me. i had the sincere pleasure of knowing him when i became an adult also thru business. he will always be remembered for his contributions and thoughtfulness.

Robin(Fanning) Sanders

May 12, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss Kelly,
While I never had your dad as a teacher or coach, I encountered him several times as a trackett. He was and will always remain a great influence in those whose life he touched.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darren DeLong

May 12, 2011

I can echo what Pam said. When I first went off to college in 1983 I found myself sitting in classrooms with kids from much bigger schools - a lot of them were from the Chicago suburbs - and it was intimidating. The one exception was my math classes. Mr. Berndt had prepared us very well and college-level calculus was basically a review for me. I've spent the last few years as a college student again and I've thought a lot about the word "teacher" and what that means. I think that's a special word that implies a special gift and a certain skill set. I've encountered a lot of people these last few years who hold that title because they have a bunch of letters after their name, but they have no idea what it means. A "coach" is a specific type of teacher, too, with its own set of skills. Mr. Berndt was truly both a teacher and a coach, and having lost my father during my freshman year of high school, he was a father figure as well. His insistence on quality is indelibly imprinted upon me. That puts me at odds with the world sometimes, because there's not a lot of that going around these days. When someone pressures me to do less than my best I think of him and how he pushed a bunch of small town kids to become more than anybody thought they could be (beating Griffin in a triangular meet especially comes to mind). He taught us how to set a goal and then work to achieve it. He taught us about sportsmanship. He taught us how to think like champions and how to conduct ourselves as gentlemen at all times. He was an intense guy, and we may have poked fun at him sometimes amongst ourselves, but we always respected him. I know I'm a better person for having known him, and making that kind of an impact on young people is a mighty powerful legacy indeed.

Pixie Boedecker

May 12, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. He was my Algebra teacher - the best and the worst - the best because he made you understand it and the worst because I was terrified of him!! My class was with him in his classroom when the announcement was made that JFK had been shot. So many memories . . you have my sincere sympathy.

Darla Stewart

May 12, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the memories we all share comfort them in their grief. You will be very much missed Don.

Wendy Sheppard

May 12, 2011

Don, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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