Gurneth Berndt

Gurneth Berndt, of Oak Harbor, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Riverview Healthcare Campus. She was born on July 18, 1925, to the late John and Alma (Blausey) Schultze in Sandusky County, Ohio. She married Ervin Johannsen on October 27, 1945; he was killed in an auto accident in 1953. On October 23, 1954, she married Donald Berndt, and he died on December 8, 1977. Gurneth is survived by her son, Lowell (Karen) Johannsen of Oak Harbor and daughter, Darla Johannsen of Findlay, Ohio; her grandsons, Eric Johannsen of Patchogue, New York and John (Linda) Johannsen of Oak Harbor; five great grandchildren, Zackery, Trent, Tyler, Trace, and Larissa Johannsen; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ostling of Port Clinton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gurneth was also preceded in death by her brothers, Alfred (Mary) Schultze, Lowell Schultze (infant), and Bernard (Doris) Schultze. Gurneth was a 1943 graduate of Woodville High School. She was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor for more than 60 years, was active in the church women's organizations, and often helped in the kitchen or served food for events at the church. She and Don were active band parents attending events, chaperoning trips, or being at the school for pickup after a school trip. She assisted at R. C. Waters Elementary School by helping young people improve their reading skill. She worked in various physician and dental offices in the Oak Harbor area, and she also provided a listening ear while helping older members of St. John with housekeeping. She was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan as well. Gurneth had a strong Christian faith as evidenced by her lifestyle. She enjoyed cooking and baking, particularly when she was able to share those creations with others. She also relished spending time with her special Koffee Klatch friends over the years. In the summer she enjoyed tending the vegetable garden and canning the fruits of her labor. Her grandsons and great grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor, with the Rev. John Stirewalt officiating. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery, Port Clinton, Ohio. Friends are invited to call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at Crosser Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 301 N. Locust St., Oak Harbor. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa Street, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449, Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, or Riverview Healthcare Campus Auxiliary, 8180 Rt. 163, Oak Harbor, Ohio, 43449. Gurneth's family wishes to thank Pastor John Stirewalt, the Audio team, and the WELCA of St. John for prayers, cards, and visits; the staff and auxiliary of Riverview Healthcare Campus for her care, and the Stein Hospice staff for her care as well. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH