"Hi! My thoughts are with my picture in the album above. Hope to hear back from you Stacy. Thanks. Emily"
In loving memory of
Darlene Berndt
March 23, 1949 - August 27, 2011
Darlene Lorraine Berndt, of Antigo, died Saturday, August 27, 2011 after a long illness. She was born on March 23, 1949 in Rochester, MN to Leland and Stella (Davison) Johnson.
She graduated from Osseo High School, Osseo, MN in 1967. After high school she received her Nursing Degree from Methodist Hospital University in St. Louis Park, MN.
Darlene married Stephen Berndt May 20, 1972 and moved to California, working as a Nurse at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. After Darlene and her husband separated in 1979 she and the children moved back to Minnesota.
She was a well respected nurse in the Intensive Care unit at North Memorial Hospital in Robinsdale, MN for a time working as head nurse until retiring in 1996. Prior to retirement she received her Art Degree from North Hennepin Jr. College.
After retirement, Darlene moved to Asheville, North Carolina where she enjoyed teaching art classes, including watercolor, drawing, clay sculpting, doll making, and jewelry design. She was also member of the Womansong Choir. She resided in North Carolina until moving to Antigo in 2009.
Survivors include daughter Stacey (Craig) Williams, Crandon, WI; son Phillip Berndt, Cologne, MN; brother Steven Johnson, Merritt Island, FL and 2 grandchildren Lillian Williams and Ella Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will he held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:30 - 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Darlene and I met in California at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. She worked for me when I was the Head Nurse /Clinical Partner on the 7th floor Intensive Care Units.When I divorced and moved here in 1981 she hired me at North Memorial when she was the Head Nurse. We took one look at each other,she said "Connie" and hired me. We nurses are always family and it truly is a small world. Sorry to hear about her long illness. Condolences to her family. Connie Petersen RN (retired)"
"Darlene, you were such a kind & loving person. As a co-worker you were such a delight, but how many know what a beautiful voice you had. I loved singing with you in the NHCC chorus. Our concerts were great too. You loved to love & share of yourself. Your grand spirit will be missed. Prayers to Darlene & her family"
"Darlene was a lot of fun...always had that quick wit and a twinkle in her eye. My son and I loved playing hand and foot with her. She was always so welcoming to all. A gracious lady with a kind word at every moment. I'm sure that she is firmly held in the palm of God's hand."
"Darlene was my first and best friend when I moved to Asheville. We were in a sculpting class together and then, of course, Womansong. We had so much fun playing cards and we shared many heart to heart talks. I knew she made the right decision to move near her family, but I missed her just the same. Darlene was such a special person and I'm so glad I knew her."
"Darlene's kind, creative spirit will live on in those who had the privilege to know her. I will never forget Darlene's beautiful artwork. I got to know Darlene through Womansong. She loved to drum and I shared that love with her. She will be missed."
"Darlene hired me in ICU at North Memorial in 1981 when she was head nurse. Her smile and her laughter were contagious. I remember a Halloween party she hosted in a bumble bee costume - what fun we had. She was a kind,generous and talented person who will be missed. Linda Haustein RN"
"Darlene and I got to be friends when she and I both joined Womansong in 1996. When she offered art classes I jumped at the chance. I had a wonderful time learning to hand build with clay, make dolls, create note cards, and make jewelry, and we made art together once a week for years after the classes ended. She was a sly hand and foot player, often quietly managing to come from behind and go out before the rest of us could get rid of our red threes! And she was a great cook! Bon voyage, Darlene. May the light of purest love smile on your journey as you go. Winnie "
"I so much enjoyed Darlene, both in Womansong and in her instruction in watercolor. We went to Boone together for a theater performance, and I was glad to get to know her better on that trip. I admired the way she faced all of her physical challenges, and kept her sense of humor and optimistic outlook. I am glad she is now free, and that she had the opportunity to be with family in the last years of her life. "
"Darlene did art with my partner Regina, on Sunday afternoons, the year before she moved to Antigo. They had a great time, laughing and painting and Regina always felt wonderful afterward. Dementia induced aphasia left her feeling insecure around many people but she felt Darlene's loving understanding and always enjoyed hearing Darlene's love of family conveyed in her stories about Stacey, Phillip and the grandchildren. Regina and I both loved Darlene for her simple, direct approach to life, her lovingness, sense of fun and courage. I send compassion to all of you from Regina and I. Sharron (Also a Womansong member) "
"Thanks, Darlene for fond and fun memories of your generous sharing of your time and talent - and what an artistic talent! You taught so many of us, your friends, how to create and, of course, we had lots of laughs in the process. with love "
"Darlene and I were both in the soprano section of Womansong. I was very impressed by her artistic talent and modesty, as well as her cheerful forbearance of a variety of challenging health issues. She loved her family and spoke of them often. We will miss her."
"Dear Darlene will always be an inspiration to me. She preserved her cheerfulness and sense of humor through a host of health challenges, and I'll never forget her courage. Her many creative talents made the world a bit more lovely, and her loving spirit shed light on those within her sphere. Happy trails, Darlene, until we meet again."
"Darlene was a beloved member of our Womansong chorus, who shared her artistic talents freely. I've missed her, and am very sorry for the loss of your mother."
"Darlene was my friend and neighbor. She sang with our chorus, Womansong. We had many wonderful times together. She had such a sweet singing voice and a sweet personality, not to mention a fun sense of humor. Darlene lived in the apartment in our house. She would surprise us with delicious treats. One Thanksgiving she made a pumpkin cheesecake....I've never tasted anything so delicious. Darlene was a trooper and persevered throughout the challenges that came to her. She inspired me with her cheerfulness and resiliency. I am grateful for knowing Darlene. To quote a song from Womansong: "May the road rise to meet you. Make the wind be at your back. May the sun shine upon your face, and rain upon your fields. And a wish for you my friend, until we meet again: May Love hold you, in the palm of Her hand.""