Elijah “Eli” Porter Berndt
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A visitation for Elijah “Eli” Berndt, 21, Baldwin City, will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017 with a Celebration of Eli’s Life to begin at 6 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Elijah “Eli” Porter Berndt, 21, passed away from this life on Monday, November 6th, 2017. Eli had the sweetest smile and most gentle soul. He was soft spoken and kind to all. He was loved beyond measure by his family and friends. He loved the solitude of nature, sitting quietly contemplating life, climbing mountains, hiking, walking along the shore, canoe trips, boating, rafting, everything and anything outdoors.
Eli was a student at Neosho Community College and worked at General Dynamics. His goal was always to help people. He was the captain of his high school soccer team and coached youth soccer. He enjoyed soccer, traveling and learning. He had a love for writing and could touch hearts with his words.
Although Eli was a private person, he was very spiritual and would share his unique insights and wisdom with the people he loved.
Eli was preceded in death by his grandparents LeRoy “Nick” Berndt, Lott Caskey and Angela Caskey, uncles, Wayne Caskey, James Caskey; aunt, Jennifer Sieben; and brother, Steven Brown.
Eli is survived by his parents Penny Diane Caskey-Berndt, Michael and Michele Berndt. His brothers and sisters DayShawn, Robert, Amelia, Rachael Berndt, Duane Porter, Nathan Brown, Kevin Brown, Monique Hogan, Jackie Union, Brian Brown, Luiz Jordao (Brazil), Lucas Boehme (Germany), Nils Drescher (Germany), Lill Johansen (Norway) and Alper Ahmed (Bulgaria). Other survivors include Grandparents, Anna Berndt, James and Mary Sieben. Aunts and Uncles, Carl Caskey (La Jolla, CA), Bette Caskey (Austin TX), Linda and Greg Laird, Richard Berndt, Bill and Jodi Berndt, Lynda and Brien Heinen, Brian and Denise Sieben, Darren and Melissa Sieben. His family includes numerous cousins, Lott, Liz, Andi, Kim, Tiff, Chad (Lindsey), Brendan, Arya, Paul, Phoenix, John (Nellie), Dawson, Lexis, Savanah, Lauren (Estevan), Nathan, Haley, Trevor, Maggie and Emily.
Elijah is a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. All who knew him; loved him.
Eli will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In his brother, Bob’s, words “I am crying because I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye”.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Eli Berndt Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Love you always baby brother.
Eli your smile was always infectious!! We have known you since birth and watched you grow up to be a fine man. Eli you were such a great soccer coach with the younger kids and a great athlete too. Eli it was a blessing to know you and you will be missed by so many people. I know the heavens awaited you with open arms….you were loved by so many people.
Dylan, Eli, and I had a squirrel on the top of a pole, several years ago. Dylan and Eli both shot the squirrel at the same time with their BB guns. The squirrel fell from the top of the pole, and as it hit the ground, they both spontaneously started to cry at what they had done. Then the squirrel miraculously revived and ran away. Best memory ever…. They were so happy! Ahhh. Now, Eli, please, revive and run away. Be a miracle. We will miss you!
I remember our family coming over for dinner on some nights and I’m thankful you and your family was there for us! You are like a brother to me. You will always be part of my family! I love you Eli! Fly high!!
God rest your soul in his loving peace. All I know is that without a doubt everyone knew you for your sweet spirit, smile and your soccer talents. Prayers for all who miss you.
That smile! It was infectious. That’s how I always remember Eli. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his family and friends. Godspeed, Eli.
RIP cousin
I am a stranger to Eli and his family. I lost my daughter when she was 26 from flu complications that invaded her heart. I know the agony you are enduring and wanted to just let you know you are not alone. I will pray for all of you to face the future with God guiding you.
It only took a moment with Eli to recognize his kind, thoughtful and gentle nature. Eli, you are deeply loved and will be missed by so many. Sending prayers of peace for you and all who know and love you.
You are the nephew I never got to know. Love you and you are in my prayers. Rest in pease.
Michele, Some 20 years ago, you were a pillar of strength in our family’s time of great need… and then again, only a week ago… Go forward, knowing with confidence, that you and your family will be similarly sustained, in part, by our prayers to a loving and responsive God. With love and prayers, Luanne Janusz (Cindy Foster’s sister) and family…
I am deeply sadden to hear of your passing. We never got the chance to know one another. Rest well cousin. I love you. God Bless.
Love you cousin I’m so sorry I never got to meet you in my life and my heart and spirit is broken right now, love you cuz RIP! Forever in my heart.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. We are so very sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Eli.
It was a privilege to get to know and work with Eli. In the weeks that he was on our team and I got to know him, I found him to be responsible, bright, personable, and friendly. He was very conscientious about performing his duties at work, and did so with a smile on his face. We will all miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. God bless you.
So terribly sorry for your loss Penny. Hoping all the best for you to recover through this difficult time.
I have known Eli since he was a tiny boy. He was always the smiling, mischeivious one. He was always fun to have around. Penny, Bobby and DayShawn, I love you all and will keep you in my heart and prayers. I know how much it hurts to love someone you love so much, and way to young to go away.
It was our pleasure to have been acquainted with Eli. He was enduring with his beautiful smile & kind heart. We grieve for his loss and for his family’s loss. May God be with you.
I love & miss you so much! I think about all of our adventures together and I think about all the wisdom that you taught me.. you changed my perspective of the world.. you are the sweetest & I appreciate the time I was able to spend with you and get to know you in a deeper level ????