Joyce Bandel

Joyce Bandel, 90, of Rochester, MN died on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Madonna Towers. Joyce (Miller) Bandel was born on October 5, 1927 in Concord Township, MN. She was the daughter of Clifford and Eunice (Osborne) Miller. Joyce grew up on a farm with her older brother, Donald and younger brother, Harold. She attended a one room schoolhouse through the eighth grade and graduated from West Concord High School. Joyce enjoyed playing the baritone saxophone in the school band as well as the piano. She then went on to the Rochester Community College. Joyce's first job was in the "old, old, Courthouse". She served as the Deputy County Auditor of Olmsted County and later she worked in government offices in Washington, D.C. Joyce met Robert (Bob) Bandel when they were both singing in the choir at the First Christian Church in Rochester. They married on July 23, 1949 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Joyce and Bob lived in various locations and eventually returned to the Rochester area to raise their children. Joyce was a dedicated homemaker and an involved caregiver of many extended family members. Joyce and Bob were generous hosts of numerous, memorable, gatherings of family and friends at their home. She was active in the school PTA and later a volunteer bell ringer for the Salvation Army for 14 years. Joyce was an avid member of the Congregational Church, UCC in Rochester where she enjoyed singing in the Senior Choir for over 30 years, she was also a member of the Christian Women's Club. For many summers, Joyce sang soprano in the Summer Music Project. During retirement years, Joyce and Bob enjoyed many travel opportunities, including highlights to Alaska, Hawaii and Colorado. At age 68, Joyce was thrilled to finally become a grandmother and welcome her first grandchild, Eric into the family! Later, Sela and Erick were welcomed with joy. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Diane (Joseph) Padrutt of Marshall, WI; son, Warren (Anjanette) Bandel of Rochester, MN; three grandchildren, Eric Padrutt of Marshall, WI, Sela and Erick Rist of Rochester, MN; her brothers, Donald Miller of Burnsville, MN and Harold (Betty) Miller of Minnetonka, MN. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; and infant daughter, JoAnn Colleen. A celebration of Joyce's life will be held on Monday, October 16, 2017 at the Congregation Church, UCC (974 Skyline Drive SW Rochester, MN). Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the service at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Reverend Carla Nelson followed by a dessert reception. Burial will take place at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Madonna Towers and Season's Hospice for the loving care they have consistently given Joyce. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Congregational Church UCC Bandel Music Fund. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com