Submitted by: Dan Rich

Walter Arthur Berndt

July 20, 1923 - April 7, 2005

South Bend Tribune 4/9/2005

Walter Arthur Berndt, 81, residing on Bronson Street, South Bend, Ind., passed away Thursday, April 7, in his home. He was born on July 20, 1923, in Gary, Ind., to Herman and Eva (Krakaw) Berndt and had lived in South Bend since 1966 coming from Bremen, Ind.

He met the love of his life, Dorothy Louise Rhymer at a roller skating rink and on Sept. 23, 1947, in Dillon, S.C., they were united in marriage. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy of 57 years, along with four daughters, Lilly Ann (Steve) Lauer of Westerville, Ohio, and Dorothy (Richard) Howland, Debra Lynn Polk and Betty J. Berndt, all of South Bend; and by two sons, Walter E. (Debra Sue) Berndt of Goshen, Ind., and Donald A. Berndt of Plymouth, Ind. He is also survived by a sister, Violet Berndt of Chicago; 11 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mr. Berndt was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Todd Polk on Nov. 26, 2004; a grandson, Joshua Fairchild in May 1995; and three brothers, Max, Harold and Richard Berndt.

He had been self-employed as a television service repairman since 1953, and was the former co-owner of Don & Walt's Colored TV in Mishawaka. He was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church and served his country during World War II in the 82nd Airborne Division. He enjoyed roller-skating all of his life, and always was looking for ways to help others.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 11, in Emmaus Lutheran Church, 929 E. Milton St., South Bend. Rev. Don Stuckwisch Jr., pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, and one hour prior to services Monday in the church. Contributions in memory of Walter Arthur Berndt may be offered to Emmaus Lutheran Church.