Paul William Berndt

Paul William Berndt, age 67, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on the evening of March 30, 2025. Paul was born on July 8, 1957 to Leland and Della (Schneider) Berndt. He grew up in Mobridge, South Dakota. He was a devoted husband to Janice Randolph Berndt, a proud soldier and a loving father to Kevin, Bryan and Scott.
Growing up in rural South Dakota, he learned from his parents and numerous aunts and uncles a fierce work ethic, frugality and how to be a handyman. He also learned to enjoy hunting, fishing, and boating. During high school, Paul was involved in several sports, excelling in wrestling. With 5 brothers wrestling wasn't always on the mat. He learned his gentler side from having two little sisters. After graduating high school in 1975, he attended the University of South Dakota where he joined ROTC. Upon graduation he was commissioned into the Army as an officer in May 1981.
At his first duty station at Ft. Carson, Colorado, he met his wife Janice on the ski slopes. Many memorable family vacations would be had in the mountains of Colorado. Paul and Janice were married on November 24, 1984, celebrating 40 years of marriage last year. Paul and Janice had three boys. They were his pride and joy and he was a loving, involved father, encouraging them academically and athletically. Whether coaching or cheering them on he could be found on the sidelines of the wrestling mat or on the soccer field. Paul would tell you his three boys were his greatest achievement.
Paul served his country proudly and honorably. He served at nine duty stations during his 25 years in the Army. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. His most unique duty station was providing logistical support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. He and his family also lived in Germany for 3 years while he served in the Operation Joint Endeavor during the Bosnian War. His final duty stations were at Ft Leavenworth and the Army Reserve Center in Independence. After retiring from the military, he worked an additional 10 years at the Department of Defense training soldiers all over the world. In total, he made his home in KC for 25 years.
Paul was known for his work ethic at work and at home. He enjoyed keeping his cars spotless and his lawn in top shape. He enjoyed long walks or hikes and watching sports on TV. Paul was a man of integrity dedicated to serving others. He was a reserved man with a dry sense of humor, strong and stubborn. After 14 years from diagnosis to death even the lung cancer came to know his strength and stubbornness.
In 2011, Paul was diagnosed with lung cancer. After thinking he had beat it, it reoccurred. Paul and Janice decided to make the most of what time they had together and bought an RV and traveled on and off for the next 5 years. They traveled to 51 National Parks and many other remarkable places in our beautiful country. What a great adventure they had! After their adventure, Paul and Janice returned to work. Unfortunately, Paul's cancer took its toll over the next few years. He fought his battle valiantly and tirelessly until the end.
We find comfort in knowing that Paul's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love we shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.
He leaves behind his wife, Janice Randolph Berndt, his sons, Kevin Leland Berndt, Bryan Randolph and Nicole (Galos) Berndt and Scott William Berndt. He leaves all his siblings behind as well as numerous other family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held on April 4 at Athens Church located at 6601 NW 72 Street, Kansas City, MO. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with a service starting at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to A Turning Point in Gladstone or Harvesters, KCMO.