William Berndt

William (Bill) Otto Berndt, age 80 of Motley, passed away on November 17, 2015 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was born February 5, 1935 to Albert and Ada Berndt on a farm between Motley and Pillager, Minnesota. He attended Birch Hill Country School until 1947 when the family moved into the home known as the “Motley Castle” in Motley where Bill attended Motley High School and graduated in 1952. In 1953, Bill traveled to Minneapolis where he found work at several manufacturing plants. In 1956, Bill married his high school sweetheart Florence Pribbenow. In 1957, Bill began working at a manufacturer of commercial laundry and dry cleaning equipment. Bill worked his way up through the ranks to the position of Service Technician which involved traveling throughout the United States troubleshooting and repairing laundry equipment. In 1960, son Kevin William was born and in 1961, daughter Melinda Marie was born. Bill and Florence raised their children in Crystal, Minnesota. Through the years, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors during hunting, fishing and camping trips, along with frequent get-togethers. In 1974, when the company Bill worked for moved out of state, Bill was approached by a laundry and dry cleaner supplier that wanted to start an equipment division. Bill was hired to start up the new equipment department which covered a five state area. As the department grew, Bill became the sales manager in charge of several sales and service technicians. In 1993, Bill semi-retired. He and Florence moved to Bill’s beloved grandparents’ family farm outside of Motley. Bill continued to work from his office at home, selling laundry equipment in northern Minnesota and North Dakota. In 1995, Bill retired completely to be a hobby farmer and became very involved with his music career. He played the saxophone and sang in several bands that played old-time music for dances. He also played with a band called the Vagabonds that played one-hour shows for the residents at all the care centers between Wadena and Brainerd. In 2010, the Vagabonds played over 90 shows. In 2012, Bill found it too difficult to stand for four hours playing dance music. He retired from the dance bands and only played at care centers with the Vagabonds group. The Vagabonds have been honored many times over the years for their volunteer service. Bill’s other hobbies included woodworking, wine making, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and re-building a “Model A” car that he entered in car shows. He was very active with Motley United Methodist Church, and was president of the Men’s Club for several years. Bill thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his large group of friends and family. He will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ada Berndt. He is survived by his loving wife, Florence; son, Kevin; daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Leighton Peck; grandchildren, Chad and Kyle Berndt and Elliot and Neena Peck. Also survived by sister-in-law, Lydia (Cliff) Goodwater; sister-in-law, Frances Pribbenow; sister-in-law, Trillma Pribbenow; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A special thank you to all the friends and family who helped support Bill and Florence during his illness. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00AM at Motley United Methodist Church, 847 3rd Avenue South, Motley, MN 56466. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Caring for Bill & the Berndt Family: Taylor Funeral Home Staples Chapel 218-895-9009 www.taylorfunerals.com