Sandra (Sandy) L. Berndt was born April 27, 1943, in Iowa City, the daughter of Frank and Viola (Fisher) Wikert. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School with the class of 1961. Ever anxious to learn, she increased her knowledge with various classes for her work, her interests and her voluntary positions. Sandy was united in marriage to Eugene B. Berndt on February 2, 1974, in Nashua at the historic Little Brown Church in the Vale, and they have made their home in Buckeye for many years.

Sandy was a long time member of the United Church of Christ, being an active member of the Buckeye Peace Church for 35 years, and most recently an active member of the First Congregational UCC in Iowa Falls. In both churches she served in many roles, including church council.

Sandy was employed by the city of Iowa Falls as dispatcher and supervisor for 40 years, starting her employment in 1966.

Sandy served as mayor of Buckeye since 1996, serving on the town council prior to that. She was the chairperson for the Buckeye Centennial Celebration in 2003. As an active Democrat, Sandy was on the Hardin County Democratic Central Committee, and in 1996 she attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as an Iowa delegate. She served on the Hardin County Community Endowment Board, was president of the Friends of the Alden Library, and was a first responder for the Buckeye Fire Department. It was not all work for Sandy; she was also a member of the Iowa Falls Women’s Club, B.P.W., Buckeye Homemakers and Buckeye Line Dancers. She enjoyed cards with her 500 Club and had fun in her Red Hat group. Sandy was honored as Iowan of the Day at the 2005 State Fair.

Left with wonderful memories of a woman who made a difference are: husband Gene of Buckeye; daughter Tamera Hohneke and husband Tony, grandsons Dustin and McCray (Scotter) Hohneke, granddaughter Calie Hohneke, all of Indianola; as well as two brothers, three sisters, many nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

Sandy passed away August 8, 2007. A celebration of her life was held August 13, 2007 at the First Congregational Church of Christ.