Berndsen, William

William J. "Bill" Berndsen, 77, of Breese, died Friday, May 14, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. He was born October 30, 1932 in Breese, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hagen) Berndsen. He married DeEtta F. "De" Steinmann on November 30, 1957 in Breese and she survives in Breese. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Mark (Barb) Berndsen and their children, Phillip and Drew of Breese; one daughter, Michelle (Robert) Brandkamp and their children, Alicia and Jenna of Spokane, WA; and one sister, Vera Feltrop of Breese. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one grandson, Nicholas Berndsen; three sisters, Eleanor Berndsen, Antoinette Berndsen and Jane Koch; and a brother-in-law, Norb Feltrop. Mr. Berndsen was a budget analyst for Troscom (Troop Support Command) in St. Louis, MO. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served during the Korean War era. He was a member of St. Dominic Parish, the American Legion Post 252 and received a 50 year membership award on March 15, 2005. He was also was a long-time member and former president of the Breese Library. He graduated from St. Dominic High School and went on to study at Notre Dame. He then played baseball for the Fresno Cardinals, an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was then drafted into the military, later married and then received his Bachelor of Science degree from McKendree College and his MBA from Webster University. He enjoyed golf, baseball and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. Funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Patrick Peter officiating. Burial will follow in St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. The American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.