Elijah “Eli” Porter Berndt

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 6 ^th , 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.