Beth Diane Kerndt

Beth D. Kerndt, 73, of Waukon, IA, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at her home in Waukon. She was surrounded by her loving and devoted husband Tom and her children. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 12th, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Fr. Philip Agyei officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, where there will be a 3:30 PM scripture service.

Beth Diane (Lange) Kerndt was born on March 10, 1953, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA, the daughter of Duane and Kathleen (Gordon) Lange. She was raised in the Monona area with her two brothers on her parent’s century farm. Beth graduated from MFL High School in 1971. On April 20, 1996, she married the love of her life, Tom Kerndt at Giard Methodist Church in Giard, IA. Together they enjoyed many adventures and made many happy memories along the way.

Beth was known for her incredible work ethic and ability to accomplish anything she set her mind on. She was a very talented seamstress. Beth could sew anything from exquisite baptismal gowns to patching jeans. No sewing job was beneath her. Beth ran a daycare on and off for many years. As with everything she did, she put her whole heart into taking care of her daycare children.

Beth was also very musically inclined. She participated in high school band, playing the flute, which she continued to play her entire life. In addition, later in life, Beth learned to play the violin and would often play during church services at Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waukon. Beth received her EMT certificate in 1997 and volunteered as an EMT.

Beth had a lifelong love for animals and raised many different types of animals. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, cooking, going on UTV rides and doing crafts. She kept an immaculate garden, and took great pride in keeping her home clean. She was a lady from head to toe. Beth was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Tom Kerndt; her children: Matt Johanningmeier, Tracy (Tom) Hart, Scott (Kerri) Johanningmeier, Lisa (Tommy) Gendzwill, and Zachary (Lauren) Kerndt; her mother Kathleen Lange; seven grandchildren: David (Marlee), Ryan, Sara and Samuel Johanningmeier, Noah Villarreal, Sean Hart, and Reagan Kerndt; and a great-granddaughter Macie Johanningmeier. She is preceded in death by her father Duane; and two brothers: Michael and David Lange.

Honorary urnbearers were her grandchildren.