Ivan D. "Ike" Berndt, age 97, of Shawano beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on Saturday October 5, 2024, surrounded by family. Ike was born on August 18, 1927, in Clintonville son of the late Henry and Sophie (Seehafer) Berndt. He attended school at St. Martins Lutheran Grade School. In Ike's early years, he enjoyed roller skating and polka dancing. He would take Dorothy polka dancing three times a week, we were the first on the dance floor and last to leave. On August 20, 1952, Ike was united in marriage to Dorothy "Dottie" Dillenburg at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a church usher.

Ike worked as a cheese maker for Brayer Cheese Factory, Village Farm Dairy in Bonduel, farmed the Dillenburg Homestead for six years. His last job was at the Shawano County Highway Department for 34 years; Ike worked as a truck driver to foreman of several departments, superintendent and was the Union #1520 President for seven years. He helped established the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Fund, received several meritorious citations for dedicated, loyal and devoted service and member of Wisconsin Superintendents Association. Ike retired on December 31, 1989, was privileged to have enjoyed 34 years after retirement.

In his free time, Ike enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, horseshoe, sheepshead, dominoes, rummage sales and watching Brewers and Packers play. During Dottie and Ike's retirement they traveled throughout the United States staying at many campgrounds in their r.v. and resorts. Wintering in Florida and Texas, summers at "our" Harbor Village Place in Door County which include many friends. Ike loved being in the woods, making firewood for heating their home, carpentry in his spare time, remodeling homes,  apartment and roofing. Could repair anything that Dorothy would break. Ike just loved to work especially helping others expecting no reward. Ike's legacy of love, loyalty, hard work and laughter will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Ike is survived by his wife of 72 blessed years, Dorothy; children, Barbara (Joe) Soudelier and Lynn (Frank) Thompson; grandchildren, Jason (Sheile) Schuette, Cassandra Merlock and Frank Thompson, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Nickalaus, Nathanial, Natilia, Melisia, Gavin, Cameron, Christofer, Scarlet, Tyler and Wyatt; sisters, Judy (Ken) Schultz and Mary Christensen; sister-in-law, Barbara Dillenburg. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Ike is preceded in death by his grandchildren, P.J. Thompson and Michelle; great-granddaughter, Haley Thompson; parents, Henry and Sophie; siblings, Marilyn (Melvin) Koeller, Ordway "Ordie" (Mae) Berndt, Patsy (Pat) Childs, Henry "Hats" (Nancy) Berndt, Jr., Sally Darland and Sandra Schultz; siblings-in-law, Peter Christensen, Richard Dillenburg, Eleanor and Emerson Hall.

A funeral mass for Ike will be held on 11:30 am on Monday October 14, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Entombment will be held at the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Shawano and Neenah ThedaCare Medical Centers, Evergreen Nursing Home, Cottages Assisted Living in Shawano and Charlie Sampson for all their wonderful care that Ike received.

In lieu of flowers donate to the children of Ike's deceased granddaughter, Michelle.