Audrey Joanne Berndt
May 10, 1939 — Aug. 20, 2008
Audrey Joanne Berndt, 69, of Winona died of cancer on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at her home with her entire family by her side.
She was born May 10, 1939, at her grandparents’ home in rural Augusta, Wis. to Edwin and Esther (Senske) Berndt. Audrey attended schools in Winona, graduating as co-valedictorian from Winona Senior High School in 1957.
She graduated from Taylor University, Upland, Ind., in 1961, with a B.S. degree in library science. She received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Minnesota in 1963.
Audrey began her career as a librarian at Taylor University followed by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She returned to Winona in 1969 to serve as librarian at Winona State University for 28 years, until her retirement on Jan. 31, 1997.
She had a great love for her Lord and Savior and served Him in many capacities at the Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church in Winona. She also supported many missions and was especially interested in the work of the Salvation Army, nature conservation, higher education and human rights. She always encouraged her family, friends and students to READ, READ, READ!
Audrey enjoyed many interests and hobbies and was continually in the process of reading a book. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed many of her own garments. Often sewing for others, she added her personal touch with an embellishment of embroidery.
Her cookbook collection was extensive and she had a zest for trying and sharing new recipes. Her passion for all things chocolate was self-proclaimed and often resulted in a tasty addition when visiting her.
She loved being outdoors and was fond of gardening. She was often found reading a book in the backyard garden gazebo she built just for that purpose.
Audrey loved to travel and had many remembrances of her 1971 trip to Brazil. She served a summer there as a short-term missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators, using her skills to set up an entire new library. Biking and badminton were favorite earlier past times, and she had an active current interest in following basketball. Her avid support of the Chicago Cubs was well known, and she often had others over to watch the game with her.
Audrey’s lifelong battle with multiple sclerosis gradually decreased her mobility and increased her dependence on others. Undaunted by circumstances, she assembled a support team to aid her on a daily basis.
This resulted in deep and caring relationships being formed with those around her, spanning many years and people. Her active team included: Lisa Benedict, Shauna Bennek, Marcella Borgschatz, Tiffany Moberg, Mollie Rolbeck, Kelly Spalding, and van drivers Bob Christopherson and Greg Tessendorf, all of whom she appreciated, spoke highly of and valued as good friends.
Audrey possessed a caring and generous heart for which she will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. She often reached out to those in need, both named and unnamed, close by and far away. Her keen interest in things around her and her quick wit and gentle humor were trademarks all enjoyed.
She lived her faith in Jesus and her inner strength will remain as a testament to a life well lived and an inspiration to those whose lives she touched and enriched.
She is survived by her mother Esther Senske Berndt of Winona; four siblings, Darlene (Neil) Ellingson of Bluff Siding, Wis., and their children, Steven and Ronald (Srey) Ellingson; Robert (Margelyn) Berndt of La Crosse, Wis., and their children Jonathan and Christopher Berndt; Terry (Peggy) Berndt of Savage, Minn., and their children Erin (Mario) Berndt de Raxon, Amber, Ariel and Kyle Berndt; and Wendy (Steve) Feeley of Eagan, Minn., and their daughter Shannan Feely; two great-nieces, Jessica Ellingson and Lindsey Ellingson, and one great-nephew, Nade Ellingson.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, and two infant brothers, Daryl and Jason.
Friends may call during visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. today, Aug. 24, at Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at Pleasant Valley Free Church, the Rev. Rick Iglesias officiating. There will be visitation on Monday at the church one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona.
Honoring Audrey’s wishes, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Pleasant Valley Mortgage Reduction Fund.
Words of sympathy and remembrance may be left at .
Services entrusted to Fawcett-Junker Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winona.