Darwin D. Berndt

Darwin D. Berndt, age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau, with his family by his side and while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. He was born on August 25, 1947 to the late Frank and Helen (Nienow) Berndt in Merrill. Darwin attended and graduated from Merrill High School. He then bravely enlisted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country from 1965-1968, which included serving in Korea in 1966. Darwin married Doreen Gaeu (Wendt) on January 1, 2018, in Merrill. She survives.

Darwin worked as a heavy machinery operator with Local 139 for most of his adult life. After retirement, he enjoyed going golfing, deer hunting, watching baseball, playing cards and making maple syrup with family. Darwin also enjoyed his “happy hours” with his daughter, Denise. Later in life, he collected heavy machinery toys and was a master of puzzles! Darwin loved listening to polkas and was a member of the Copper River Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club. He was a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the town of Corning and the Corning Volunteer Fire Department. Darwin is remembered as a fun-loving and sensitive man with a huge heart, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Darwin is survived by his wife: Doreen Gaeu of Merrill, son: Dave (Patti) Berndt of Merrill, daughters: Denise (Greg) Brandenburg of Merrill, Debbie Berndt of Eau Claire, WI and Lana (James) Wendt of Merrill, grandchildren: Meranda (Eric) Wilke, Dimitri Alft (girlfriend, Stephanie), Devan (Janessa) Berndt, Alex Brandenburg (girlfriend, Kim), Dylan Alft (girlfriend, Sheena), Ali Berndt, Christian Koller, Branden Brandenburg (girlfriend, Kellen), Sophie Wendt, Lawson Wendt and Jaxlyn Wendt, 4 great grandchildren, step-children: Terry (Jill) Gaeu and Connie Fryman (friend, Rob McSwain), brother: Dean (Sherry) Berndt, sister: Darlene (Doug) Gering and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife: Diann and second wife: Vickie.

The funeral service for Darwin will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in the town of Corning. Pastor Joel Danner will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Taylor-Stine-Waid 903 East 3rd Street location, and again on Monday, February 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, at the church. Burial in the church cemetery will immediately follow the service. Military honors will be conducted by the Merrill VFW Post 1638 at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Darwin’s name be directed to the Aspirus Hospice House.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at the Aspirus Hospice House and for making his “mansion” feel as close to home as possible during his last days.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.