Lois Berndt

Mrs. Lois N. Berndt (Peterson) died peacefully at Cottagewood Senior Living on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 92. Mrs. Berndt is survived by her children; Beatrice B. Brailey of Johnson, NE; Barbara Beauchamp Nolte (George) of Topeka KS; Garfield Buck W. Berndt Jr. (Lucy) of Geelong, Australia; Michael D. Berndt (Andrea) of Hampton, VA; James A. Berndt (Elaine) of Goose Creek, SC; Betty L. Stoltz (Randall) of Rochester, MN; Beverly B. Berndt (Gil) of Kansas City, MO; 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garfield W. Berndt Sr., her parents, Clarence S. and Augusta Ruth Peterson (Norseen); her sister, Pauline A. Nowlan (Peterson) and her granddaughter, Courtney E. Berndt. Lois Mathilda Christine Norseen Peterson was born October 24, 1924, in Aurora, Nebraska. She grew up on her parents farm and graduated high school there in 1942. She went on to school training as a registered nurse and subsequently becoming a Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In Omaha, NE she met her husband, G.W. Berndt and they married in Atlantic, Iowa on January 12, 1957. The couple settled first in Fremont, NE whe...[more]

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over the next several years they welcomed 7 children. Lois retired from her position as CRNA to be a full-time mother. Her children remember her as being a very loving, patient mother and teacher. She taught them life skills including, sewing, cooking, canning, cleaning, discipline, spirituality, kindness, patience and humility. Lois encouraged each of them to pursue their goals and supported their individual journeys. She was instrumental in knitting her unique family together. Lois was a devoted wife and she and her husband had a wonderfully loving marriage. She was a devoted and loving grandmother and great-grandmother. The family moved several times over the years and the couple eventually retired to West Plains, MO in 1980 where they lived together until her husband passed away in 1995. Lois moved to Rochester, MN in 1996 to be nearer her husbands final resting place as well as better medical care and family. Lois was a multi-talented person. She excelled in her artistic expression through her sewing, drawing, cooking and music just to name a few. She enjoyed hunting with her husband and participating in Masonic organizations including, Eastern Star, White Shrine and Jobs Daughters. She incorporated her Swedish heritage into her familys life. She had a wonderfully singular sense of humor and helped to create a happy and warm environment around her wherever she was. She was an avid reader, very spiritual and interested in angels and what came after this life. The family wish to thank the wonderful caregivers with Home Instead Senior Care as well as and especially Cottagewood Senior Living for their patient, gentle and loving care of Lois. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, November 14, 2016, in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. To leave a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com