John Berendt

John William Berendt, age 74 of Randolph, died on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

John was born on April 11, 1935 in Little Falls, MN, the son of John and Helen (Nordgren) Berendt. He graduated from the Little Falls High School.

John had been employed with Sheldahl in Northfield, and later worked for Westinghouse Corporation. He retired from Fairway Foods.

He married Marjorie “Marge” Johnston on June 30, 1972 in Randolph.

John was a man with many interests! He was an avid reader, enjoyed working in his garage, enjoyed the outdoors, and was a member of the ARRL (American Radio Relay League.)

He was a pilot and loved flying his vintage aircraft, the Fairchild PT-19 and the Aeronca 11AC Chief. He was a lifetime member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), and was currently serving as director of the VAA (Vintage Aircraft Association) since 1990. John has been a volunteer at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh since 1975. He also helped found and direct the Fairchild type club, and was editor of “The Fairchild Flyer” newsletter. He enjoyed advising fellow enthusiasts worldwide!

John was currently serving as supervisor on the Randolph Township Board, and also served on the board of the Cannon Valley Rural Fire Association. John was passionate about helping to keep government at the local level.

John is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Marge; children, Cynthia, Pamela and Greg, and their families; brother, Jim (January) Berendt of Little Falls; and two nephews, Jerry and Jack.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home, with Pastor Curt Batschelet officiating.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Vintage Aircraft Association and/or the Randolph/Hampton Volunteer Fire Department.

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