Born on April 1, 1950 in Rice County, Minnesota, he was the son of Herman and Esther (Gehrke) Berndt. He attended grade school at St. Peter’s “Bell” Lutheran parochial school and graduated from Waterville High School. He served his country in the U. S. Air National Guard. Ed married Diane Solyntjes on May 13, 1972 at St. Peter’s “Bell” Lutheran Church in Le Sueur County. He farmed throughout his life and also worked 27 years for the City of Waterville street department. He enjoyed nature by taking trips to the cabin, relaxing on the porch and fishing.

He is survived by his wife-Diane of Waterville; three daughters-Elena (Dale) Mattson of Princeton, Gina (fiancé Chris Karels) Berndt of Farmington, Alicia (special friend Chris Fyvie) Berndt of Valley Village, CA; three grandsons-Adam Karels, Chel Mattson and Jate Mattson; three brothers-Harold (Jan) Berndt of Owatonna, Norman (Nancy) Berndt of Waseca and Ron (Nancy) Berndt of Waterville; four sisters-Delores (Leonard) Wolfe of St. Peter, Lorraine Lyons of Waterville, Gladys (Stanley) Merritt of Morristown and Lucille (Don) Roemhildt of Eagan; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Prosch-Dennis Funeral Home in Waterville on Monday, September 8, 2008 from 4-8 PM and continue on Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterville with Rev. David Mumme officiating. Burial will follow at Sakatah Cemetery in Waterville.