Marlene Marie Berndt

Marlene Marie Berndt

Denison

Marlene Marie Berndt, the daughter of Christ and Olga (Jensen) Jensen, was born on Sept. 22, 1926, in Laurel, Neb. She died at Hallmar Nursing facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at 3:05 a.m. at the age of 95 years, 10 months and 21 days.

Marlene was born at home in Laurel, Neb. She was baptized and later confirmed in her faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Laurel. She grew up in the Laurel area and attended public school there. In her later teens, she moved to western Iowa and was employed in several positions until she met her future husband. She was united in marriage to Frank Berndt on Sept. 23, 1945, at his parents' family farm.

They farmed around Monona and Crawford County for 36 years until they moved to Denison in 1981. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Mike and Sandy.

Marlene started working at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital, shortly after they moved to Denison, as a cook in the dietary department. She was very proud of her accomplishments and was known for her cooking skills. After retirement, Marlene and Frank enjoyed traveling throughout the West and North Central United States, until his health declined. She was a devoted caregiver to Frank and was a frequent visitor and volunteer at the Denison Care Center during his stay.

She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church including Ladies Aid, baking pies and providing food whenever asked. Marlene also was active in 4-H and was a member of the Crawford County 4-H Extension Council.

Due to health issues, Marlene moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 2017 to be closer to her daughter. She became a much-loved member of the Cedar Rapids community and continued to share her love of baking with her care team. Marlene continued to be a caregiver for other residents and she shared that one of her greatest regrets was not becoming a nurse.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Berndt in 2005; and two brothers, Marvin (Shirley) Jensen and Bob (Janice) Jensen. She is survived by her son, Mickael Berndt (Marlene) of Ponderay, Idaho; daughter: Sandy (Brad) Grimm of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Justin (Amanda) Berndt of Ankeny, Brock Grimm (Dana) of Cedar Rapids, Zeb Grimm and Joziah Grimm, both of Cedar Rapids; two great-grandchildren, Oliver Berndt and Everett Grimm; two brothers, Ronald (Claudia) Berndt of Peoria, Ariz., and Charles (Barb) Berndt of Aurora, Mo.; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. The Rev. Kurt Kaiser officiated the service with interment in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison. Organist Karen Kahl provided accompaniment for congregational hymns "Amazing Grace" and "Drawn to the Cross, Which Thou Hast Blessed." Serving as honorary pallbearer was Justin Berndt. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Berndt, Brad Grimm, Brock Grimm, Zeb Grimm, Joziah Grimm, Austin Schminkey and Marty Schminkey. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to return to the church for a time of fellowship and lunch. The Huebner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.