July 12, 2021 at 5:35 p.m.
Harold 'Hal' Berndt
Harold 'Hal' Berndt
Hal graduated from Wausau High School in 1945 and immediately joined the Navy at age 17. He served as a Motor Mechanic 3rd Class on the USS Micka, DE during World War II. Upon completion of his time in the Navy, he pursued his Forestry degree at the University of Michigan where he earned his degree with distinction in June, 1950.He married Lucille "Lu" Tanner from Ogdensburg on June 24, 1950.
Hal went to work for the Wisconsin Conservation Department as a forester/photo interpreter in Tomahawk in 1950. In 1953 his career with the State of Wisconsin took him to West Bend where he worked until 1955, he then moved to Rhinelander as the acting Supervisor of the American Legion State Forest and was the manager of Hugo Sauer Nursery until 1970. After a short three years in Woodruff as Area Director of Resource Management for Oneida, Forest, and Vilas counties, he returned to Rhinelander in 1973. He then served as Asst District Director for the North Central District until his retirement in 1987. He spent his entire 37-year professional career working for the Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources.
Hal was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rhinelander. He served as Council President, Youth Director for 14 years, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, and was a member of many various boards and committees.
Hal's community activities include coaching many youth sports teams, including Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and grade school basketball. He was an early supporter of the Rhinelander Ice Association and coached Squirts, PeeWees and Bantams youth hockey for over 20 years. He initiated the Kiwanis "Learn to Skate" program, instructing many skaters for over 19 years.
Hal was an original member of the board of directors for the Camp 10 Ski Area and served on National Ski Patrol. Hal enjoyed skiing slopes with friends and family anywhere from Camp 10 to the Colorado Rockies.
Hal was a long-time member of Kiwanis. He served as president of the Rhinelander Kiwanis Club and Lt Governor of Kiwanis 25th District. He was also the recipient of the Kiwanis Hixon Award, the highest award for individual service. Other leadership activities include member of the Rhinelander Union High School Board of Education, 1968-70, and was a member of the Town of Newbold Planning Commission. Hal and Lu volunteered at the Rhinelander Logging Museum and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.
An early hobby was flying. He obtained his pilots license in 1947 and used a plane to court Lucille. He logged many solo hours in the air, especially over Rib Mountain. When Hal was not working or volunteering, he could be found golfing, playing tennis, skiing, hunting grouse, fishing bass, planting trees and logging his property, as well as spending time in his workshop. Hal and Lu enjoyed travlling within all 50 states. And they especially treasured spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Hal is survived by his four children: Luan Dudley of Rhinelander, Julie Berndt of Rhinelander, Marti (Tom) Franti of Lincoln, Neb., Terry (Dawn) Berndt of Rhinelander, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and his brother Donald of Woodruff.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lu Berndt, brother Chuck and infant brother Ronald Berndt.
The family would like to thank Senior Heart Home Care for their loving care of our dad. Their care was always very personal and sincere. A special thanks to Wanita Cook and Tina Bishop, his Guardian Angels.
Visitation for Hal will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carlson Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. A complete notice will follow in the River News and at www.carlsonfh.com. You may leave your private condolences for the Berndt family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Berndt family.
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