Kathryn Berndt's Obituary
Kathryn Berndt, loving wife, mother, nana, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026.
Kathryn was born on June 20, 1959, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Correen Schraa. On August 9, 1980, Kathryn married the love of her life, Bruce Berndt. Together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, commitment, family, and friendship. Their marriage was marked by partnership, laughter, and countless cherished memories shared between Oshkosh, Madison, and their beloved Arizona winter home.
A proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Kathryn remained a devoted Badger throughout her life. Whether cheering enthusiastically for Wisconsin women’s volleyball or Badger football, she found great joy in supporting the teams she loved and celebrating the traditions that connected family and friends together.
Kathryn enjoyed a successful career as an interior designer, where her creativity, elegance, and eye for detail helped transform houses into welcoming homes. She possessed a natural sense of style and warmth that extended far beyond her work and into every aspect of her life.
Kathryn’s greatest joy was her family. She was the best Nana her grandchildren could ever have. She was endlessly supportive, thoughtful, and caring — the kind of person who remembered birthdays, made holidays magical, and created traditions that will live on for generations. Her home was always welcoming, filled with warmth, conversation, laughter, and love.
Kathryn especially treasured time spent in Arizona, where she and Bruce enjoyed winters surrounded by sunshine, mountain views, desert landscapes, and hiking trails. She loved the beauty of the desert, from blooming cactus flowers to breathtaking sunsets over the mountains. Whether tending to her landscape, golfing with friends, or enjoying the outdoors, Kathryn embraced life’s simple joys with gratitude and grace.
She will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, generosity, impeccable taste, warm smile, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Kathryn had a gift for making others feel valued and cared for, and her presence brought comfort and joy to so many.
Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Bruce Berndt; her daughter, Jordon Olson (Kyle) grandchildren Elijah and Landon; her son, Logon Berndt (Kenzie) grandson, Brooks; her siblings Jennifer Dutko, Brian Schraa & Brenda Youngwirth and many dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her friendship and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Correen Schraa.
Visitation will be held at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home 865 S Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh WI on June 13, 2026, at 9.00am – 11.00am, followed by a memorial service at 11.00am. A luncheon will follow the service.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the ALS Community, Mayo Clinic, UW-Madison Neurology doctors, Agrace Hospice and BrightStar Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, Kathryn’s love, grace, wisdom, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy is one of kindness, family devotion, friendship, faith, and a life beautifully lived.
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