Jace Berndt

Jace Riley Berndt, 29, of North Branch, MN, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, as the result of a snowmobile accident on the Arrowhead State Trail north of Orr, MN.

Jace was born on February 28, 1997, in Atlanta, GA. He later moved to MN where he attended Century High School in Rochester, MN. Following high school, Jace pursued his passion for working with equipment and machinery at Dakota County Technical College, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology in 2017.

Jace was employed by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) in Minneapolis, MN, as a Maintenance Mechanic serving the Crystal, Blaine, and Flying Cloud reliever airports. He took pride in his work and the role he played in keeping the airports operating safely.

Jace had a deep love for animals and the outdoors. He spent time volunteering as a dog walker and cat cuddler at the Northwoods Humane Society in Wyoming, MN, where his compassion and gentle spirit were felt by both animals and people alike. Above all, he cherished time with his beloved dog, Chevy, who preceded him in death.

Jace loved being outdoors and was always seeking adventure-whether riding his motorcycle, exploring new hobbies, reading, or simply connecting with others. He had a gift for conversation and genuinely enjoyed hearing people's life stories. Jace was known for his kindness, compassion, generosity, and protectiveness toward those he loved. He was always there to lend a helping hand and lived life with a fearless spirit.

He was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Chevy, and his grandfather, Willis Berndt of Rochester, MN.

He is survived by his mother, Pamela Bishop of Winona, MN, sister, Hannah Berndt of Winona, MN, father, Ricky (Karen Squillace) Berndt of Rochester, MN; his nephews, Bode, Briggs, and Banek, and niece, Belvie; his grandmother, Shirley Berndt of Rochester, MN; and his grandparents, Patrick and Mary Beth Bishop of Green Bay, WI.

Jace will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him. While our hearts are heavy with loss, we find comfort in imagining that Jace has reunited with his best bud, Chevy, and that together they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

A visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Pl NW, Rochester, MN. Lunch will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Northwoods Humane Society, Wyoming, MN, in honor of Jace's love for animals.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Berndt family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.