Deborah J. Berndt

Deborah Jean Berndt, age 60, of Clarksville, Michigan, passed away Wednesday evening, November 26, 2025 at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods in Byron Center. The daughter of Ralph M. & Jean (McDonald) Deal, she was born on April 18, 1965 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Deb earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, and then went on to earn her social work credentials (also from G.V.S.U.) and for over 30 years worked as a social worker with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS). On June 7, 2002, in Bellevue, Michigan, she married David Keith Berndt and together they enjoyed over 23 years of marriage.

A talented photographer, she loved nature, gardening and birding. Deb was a member of Wild Ones (native flower organization) and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. She was also passionate about participating in events that benefited the community.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are her husband, David K. Berndt of Clarksville; a son, Christopher Bohn; a daughter, Katrinia “Katie” Bohn & Austin Dellinger, all of Grand Rapids; two sisters, Rebecca & Jim Culver of Florida and Heather Deal of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; step-mother, Nora Evers of Kalamazoo; siblings-in-law, Cynthia Radamacher of Grand Rapids, Dennis & Linda Berndt of Belding, Douglas & Robin Berndt, and Mark Berndt, all of Grand Rapids; her four nieces, Meghan, Brandon, Chelsea, and Elizabeth; a great-niece, Thalia; Dave’s niece and three nephews, Kate, Kyle, Mike and Sam; and many cousins.

A celebration of Deb’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street (one block west of Eastern Avenue), with a time of food and fellowship to follow.

Deb would have appreciated contributions in her memory to the Wild Ones – River City Grand Rapids Chapter. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or you may donate online at: https://rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org/donate-2/. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Deb’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.