Harley E. Berndt

Harlingen, TX. - Harley \"Butch\" Berndt, age 88, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Attic Angel Place in Middleton, WI. He was born on March 15, 1923 in Merrill, WI., the son of Emil and Loraine Berndt. Harley married Marilynn Partridge on Nov. 27, 1943. Butch attended the University of Southern California and received his BA in architecture. He was a veteran of WWII and Vietnam serving with the U.S. Air Force. He piloted the P51, T33, F102 and F106. He was a member of the WWII- P51 Pilots Assn., 319th FIS Assn. and he belonged to an elite group of airmen who flew Mach Two (twice the speed of sound). Butch and Marilynn retired to the Harlingen area in 1971 where he became active with the Harlingen Lion\'s Club and designed homes in the valley. He also was a card carrying member of the Die Hard Chicago Cubs Fan Club since 1928. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Greg Shekey and their sons, Scott, Matthew and Aaron; his brother Richard and many friends. In addition to his wife Marilyn, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy. Private family services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin. Service: Private family services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.