Obituary: David Wayne Berndt, 59, of Norton Shores

David Berndt

David Wayne Berndt, 59, of Norton Shores, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a community he proudly served.

Dave was the beloved husband of Tamara Berndt. The two met in 2017, bonding on their first date over Mexican food and a shared appreciation for work stories. They married in 2020 and built a life together filled with family, beloved pets, laughter, travel, and a shared willingness to wander down an unexplored path just to see where it might lead.

Dave was a 1985 graduate of Mason County Central High School and went on to attend Ferris State University, graduating in 1989.

Service to others was an important part of Dave’s life. For 12 years, he worked in 911 emergency communications, serving as the day-shift supervisor. It was work he took great pride in, as he did his time with the Blue Lake Fire Department. Helping people, however, wasn’t something Dave reserved for his professional life. It was simply part of who he was. If someone he cared about needed him, Dave was the kind of person who showed up.

Those who knew Dave knew a man who was kind, gentle, supportive, funny, and extraordinarily hardworking. He loved deeply and quietly and could always be counted on when it mattered. His pets were very much members of his family, and they knew the same kindness and gentle care he showed the people he loved.

Dave loved to travel, especially when there was something new waiting around the corner. He and Tamara shared many adventures together, exploring new places and discovering paths they hadn’t traveled before. For Dave, sometimes the best plan was simply finding out where the road went.

Dave was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church.

Dave was the loving son of Ruth Ann and Curtiss Berndt of Free Soil and the incredibly proud father of his son, Joshua Berndt. He was stepfather to Kurtis Tobaison and his wife, Alisha, and a treasured step-grandfather to several grandchildren. He is also survived by his wonderful sisters, Cathy (Keith) Campbell, Susan (Dale) Goodrich, and Mary (Thomas) Alway; his mother- and stepfather-in-law, Donna and Patrick Duff; his sister- and brother-in-law, Lee Anne and Troy Talbot; his aunt, Janice Berndt; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who were very dear to him. Dave also leaves behind his second family at Muskegon 911, where the friendships and bonds forged through years of working side by side meant far more to him than the word “coworkers” could ever express.

More than his work or accomplishments, Dave will be remembered for the way he lived among the people he loved – with kindness, loyalty, humor, generosity, and an ever-present willingness to lend a hand.

His absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved him. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave’s honor may be made to Our Saviour Lutheran Church or Pound Buddies.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon with a memorial service at noon. Arrangements through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St. Norton Shores. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com .