Joyce Elaine Berndt

Joyce Elaine LaMont, age 80, passed away on August 20, 2017 in her home surrounded by loved ones. Joyce fought a long, hard battle with cancer for many years. Her strength and courage will continue to inspire all those who were blessed to know her. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth, with Rev. Russ Jacobsen officiating.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth.  Visitation time will be from 5:00‑7:00pm Thursday, August 24, 2017, at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 400 E. 14th Street in Blue Earth and 1 hour before at the church..  Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com   She was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota on August 20, 1937 to Howard and Katherine LaMont (Schwab). Joyce was a lifelong resident of Blue Earth where she graduated from Blue Earth Public Schools in 1956. She later graduated from college with a degree as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). On June 9, 1956, Joyce was united in marriage to her lifelong love, Robert Berndt. God blessed their 61 year union with six children, Robert, Jr., Kathy, Jean, Brenda, Richard and Ryan. Joyce loved caring for others. She turned her compassionate spirit and calming nature to the care of the elderly for over 35 years at St. Luke's Lutheran Home. She loved the residents like her own family. There are so many community members whom have thanked her or one of her children for the care she provided when their parents were passing into their Forever Home. She held many, many hands to help them pass peacefully. Joyce was a true gift from God. At age 67, she retired from St. Luke's. That same year she began her 13 year battle with cancer, a cancer that had gone undiscovered for many years. Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Bob Berndt of Blue Earth, MN; daughters, Kathy (Dale) Osmundson of Blue Earth, MN, Jean Nelson of Blue Earth, MN, Brenda (Loren) Bruellman of Blue Earth, MN and sons, Richard (Wendy) Berndt of Lake Elmo, MN and Ryan (Pam) Berndt of Blue Earth, MN, 7 grandchildren- Bob “Robby” Berndt (Angie), Dustin Osmundson, Jenna Chang (David), Bobbi Jo Thompson (Ramon), Corey Dusing (Nikita), Maija Brown (Kraig) and Jake Berndt, 8 great grandchildren- Justice, RJ and Carter Briseno, Jayden, Addison and Jace Dusing, and Benjamin and Samuel Chang. Joyce was preceded in death by her infant son, Robert Berndt, Jr., her Father and Mother, Sister, Margaret Busch (Roger), Brothers, Howard LaMont, Jr. (Shirley), and Wayne LaMont (Alice), Brothers-in-law, Lyle Weber (Shirley) and Jerry Berndt (DeAnne). Joyce always enjoyed the visits from special friends and family. She looked forward to morning coffee with "Grampie,", Mike Douglas and Mike Mensing. Joyce talked often of how much the regular visits with Pastor Russ meant to her.  His prayers were always so personal and held true meaning that carried her through the tough days. Through her many hospitalizations over the years, she came to know Pastor Vic Vriesen. He would always offer a special message and a beautiful song that became very special to her.