Joan M. Berndt

August 2, 1936 - September 14, 2016

Joan M. Berndt, 80, of Benton Harbor died Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Royalton Manor in Royalton Township. Services celebrating her life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, Sept 24, at the Riverside United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon. Burial of the ashes will be held at Lakeshore Hagar Cemetery and cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Riverside United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service. Please share memories, messages, or photos at www.florin.net. Joan was born on Aug 2, 1936 in Benton Harbor to Forrest and Pauline LaVanway. She married Blaine Berndt in Sept. 1958, and he preceded her in death in 1988. Joan enjoyed embroidering, bingo, dancing, and just getting together with friends and family. Her family includes her sister, Kay Burtchett of Greenwood, AR; her brother, Allen LaVanway of Watervliet and her granddaughter, Katie Bond of St. Joseph. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her 2 daughters, Paula Howell and Janet Bond; her son, Jeffery Berndt; her 2 brothers, Donald LaVanway and Dennis LaVanway and her longtime companion, Wilford Marbut.