In Loving Memory of Dennis (Denny) Arthur Berndt
Dennis Arthur Berndt, age 71, of Helena, MT passed away the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 9th at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.
Denny was born on June 11, 1946 at Sidney Memorial Hospital in Sidney, MT. Dennis grew up in and around Fairview MT and worked on his family farm as a young man and was a key “big man” starting on both Offensive & Defensive Lines his Senior season to help The Fairview Warriors to an undefeated season by beating their rival and perennial power Wolf Point, long considered the top team in the state at their level. There were no playoffs at that time but the Warriors are considered the de facto State Champs.
Shortly after high school Dennis met the love of his life while working at a gas station. He wasn’t sure why a young lady from Sidney stopped in frequently to get .25 worth of gas but didn’t let the oddity stop him from asking Barbara out on a date.
Dennis was married to Barbara Williams on Dec. 18th 1965 in Sidney, MT. He remained married to his loving wife for the duration of his life. Dennis & Barbara moved to Helena in 1969 and made it their home for raising their two boys. Denny’s first job in Helena was as a young salesman at Motor Mart. He then moved on to work for Tape Deck & Showcase and after several years he purchased the Helena location. His competition next door was Tom Allen of Allen Electric and in spite of being competitors they became friends and Tom recognized Denny’s talent at sales and hired him in the mid 1980’s and Denny worked for Tom & Margot at Allen’s Superstore until his retirement in 2013.
Dennis was very proud of his work and the customers that he provided a top level of technical knowledge and service to. Art & Liz Claiborne utilized his impeccable skills with audio & video at their personal residence here in Montana.
Dennis was the main driving force in bringing a BMX track to Helena in 1980. He and several good friends built the track, mechanized gate and light system, and regulated many thankful young boys and girls into organized age groups for them to compete in. He also announced the races and treated all competitors as stars to watch with his vigor for the competition. Capital City BMX would not have existed for many of us in the Helena area if it were not for Dennis Berndt.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife Barbara, two sons Troy & Tracy, His daughter in law Jenna, and Tracy & Jenna’s two daughters Braelynn & Ainsleigh, His father Gordon, his brother Gene (wife Lenore), and his sister Colleen (husband Cal) along with many brother & sisters in law as well as many nieces & nephews.
Denny was preceded in death by his mother Irene and his sister Wanda.
There will be a gathering for Dennis’ friends & family which will be held on August 15th from Noon to 2p at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to St. Judes Children Research Hospital.
Thank you to Dr. Thomas Weiner, Kari Parmer (Director), and all of the Drs., nurses, and staff at the St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center and the Oncology unit at the hospital. You did everything you could and we appreciate your efforts so very much.
Most of us that knew Denny were pretty sure there were some things he could not do, we were just never able to uncover them. Dennis Berndt was a true man and old school Alpha Male and the world has a little less grit and toughness without him in it.
We miss you dearly.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 15, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 15, 2017
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Peggy ,And David fine from Jefferson City says
In 1999 we belt a log home in Jefferson City . We purchased all of our appliances from Denis at Allen electric we still have all of those appliances we were truly blessed by his expertise and his kindness. In February of 2000 we had an open house for all the people that had anything to do with our house from building to floor to windows to the concrete work-and of course our appliances Dennis and his wife Barbsra came we had a wonderful time.
I truly wish blessings Barbara on you and your family I know you will miss Dennis tremendously but know that he is with our savior and one day you will get to me see him again.
Peggy ,And David fine from Jefferson City says
In 1999 we belt a log home in Jefferson City . We purchased all of our appliances from Denis at Allen electric we still have all of those appliances we were truly blessed by his expertise and his kindness. In February of 2000 we had an open house all the people that had anything to do with our house from building to floor to windows to the concrete work-and of course our appliances Dennis and his wife Barbsra came we had a wonderful time.
I truly wish blessings Barbara on you and your family I know you will miss Dennis tremendously but know that he is with our savior and one day you will get to me see him again.
Terry W Bass says
Always a twinkle in the eye. May he Rest In Peace ….and may God bless all of family.
Jill Caldwell says
When we moved to Helena in the late 80s, Dennis became our go-to appliance man. He gave us such excellent service, and we always appreciated his integrity and kindness. May God welcome him with open arms. We’ll meet again.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Barb, Troy , Tracy and family. The Lord must have needed a good salesman and atory teller. We’re sure going to miss his devilish grin and dry sense of humor. He fought a good battle and left a lot of good memories.
Rick and Jan
Susan Hart says
Barbara, Troy, Tracy and family,
So sorry to see that Dennis has passed. He was a great salesman, always loved to go in the store especially when we were looking for an appliance or pick his brain. I know he had one of the best stereo system in the neighborhood and played the best music ever. My deepest sympathy to all the family. Sue Tabbert Hart
Peggy Shepherd says
Barb, Troy, Tracy and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. Dennis was a wonderful person. I have so many fun memories of the bike racing days. We all had a great time traveling around with you all.
I am thinking of you all during this time of sorrow.
Take Care
Peggy
Wayne and judy ordahl says
Barb and family, we were so sorry to hear about Dennis we always enjoyed his visits about our little corner of Mt.. and his help whenever we were in the store. . Thinking of you all. Wayne and Judy Ordahl
J.D. "Rabbit" Sauter says
Knew Dennis for a long time. He will surely be missed, so sorry to hear that Barb….lots of memories…..
Rabbit
Lora says
I am so very sorry for your loss. May the fond memories of the times you shared bring you comfort and peace during this most difficult of times. We can look forward to the times when God will wipe away our tears and swallow up death forever, found at Isaiah 25:8. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Kevin Marshall says
Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Berndt for ALWAYS making me feel welcome. I am a long way from home and the only times I have felt like I belonged was when I was with y’all. I’ll not forget the kindness you have shown me.
Kevin Marshall
Kel Maleh Rachamim
O G‑d, full of compassion, Who dwells on high, grant true rest upon the wings of the Shechinah (Divine Presence), in the exalted spheres of the holy and pure, who shine as the resplendence of the firmament, to the soul of Dennis son of Gordon who has gone to his [supernal] world, for charity has been donated in remembrance of his soul; may his place of rest be in Gan Eden. Therefore, may the All-Merciful One shelter him with the cover of His wings forever, and bind his soul in the bond of life. The Lord is his heritage; may he rest in his resting-place in peace; and let us say: Amen.
Len Iwanski says
When we bought a new home in 1993, Dennis sold us an RCA 35-inch TV. Not a slim flat-screen, mind you, but a behemoth old-style TV that required two strong men to move. We still have it, it still works perfectly and has never required any repair or maintenance. This old-school quality workmanship was complemented by Denny’s old-school professionalism, courtesy and knowledgeability. He made a strong impression on Kathleen and me, and we remember him to this day.