ONALASKA/VERONA/MADISON – Rebecca Lynn Berndt, age 65, passed away unexpectedly from injuries caused by an impaired driver on Tuesday, August 8, 2017.

In her life, she loved you more. Very few people in our lifetime will love us the way Becky Berndt loved us. A devout Christian, her heart only knew love, how to care for others and make them feel like the most special, most wonderful person in the world. She was a light in the darkest of times, the sunshine on stormy days, the brightest star in any night sky; she was the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a devoted friend and mentor to all, she was a spirit who will always shine in our hearts and she will be missed beyond words by everyone who has been blessed to know her. She will always be loved.

Becky was born in Portage, Wisconsin on October 14, 1951 to Norman and June Schauer. Norman recalls that she was their sweetheart, remembering the moment that the Catholic nurses shared the joy that the one and only girl that they waited for had come into their lives. At age 18, she met Bill Berndt of Westfield whom she was married to for 45 memorable years in the Madison area. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, attending church, and taking day trips together. During those years, they also raised three children who were Becky's greatest and most proud achievement. To her, they were her wind, her light, her sunshine; to them, she was their heart. And she was a mother to so many more. Her love for children beamed through her career as an instructional aide at various schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District and she made positive differences in many young lives.

From 2011-2016, Becky welcomed six grandchildren into her life. Grandma B put endless smiles on their faces, loving them with her whole heart and filling their lives with made-up games and songs, handmade gifts and story-telling, and laughter and love. Perhaps the only thing in life that she loved more than being a mother was being a grandmother. She decorated every corner of her home with their faces as they filled her with such pride and happiness. Her children vow to keep her incredible legacy alive in them and in their mother's grandchildren always.

Becky was the spirit of her friend group and the soul of her family. She thought about others before herself at all times, knowing only selflessness. She could be in the middle of one of her many creative projects, cooking a heart-felt meal, writing her beautiful poetry, tending to her incredible gardens, filling her home with countless photographs of her loved ones, and if someone called or stopped by, she would drop everything, engage, and make him/her feel like the most important person in the world. She has changed and impacted countless lives and leaves a piece of her with all who knew and admired her. She is now free, reaping the bounty of her endless good works and love.

Becky is survived by her husband, Bill Berndt; three children, Mandy (Kelly) Anderson, Rachel (John) Hepner, and Nathaniel (Jillian); and her six grandchildren, Jenavieve, William, David, Finn, Briar, and Bodhi; father, Norman Schauer; brothers, Phillip and Claude Schauer. She is further survived by many family and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother; brother, Allan Schauer; father-in-law, Harry Berndt; and mother-in-law Gertrude Berndt.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Holmen Police Department, Tri-State Ambulance, and Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. Their attention and professionalism extended to the family during this difficult time will always be remembered.

A celebration of Becky's life will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, at 11AM on Friday, August 18, 2017 with Pastor Blake Rohrer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9AM until time of the service. At the request of Becky’s family, please attend in bright colors to honor her zest and appreciation for life. In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Becky’s unending generosity, please perform a random act of kindness or pay it forward.

Becky is with us all now more than ever. We can see her smile, hear her laugh, watch her dance, and feel her optimism, enthusiasm, and presence all around us. She is reunited with those she has lost and has become an angel for us all, reminding us always that she loved us more.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Rebecca Berndt

October 14, 1951 - August 08, 2017

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