Joyce M. Wendt, 82, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

Joyce Eskra was born May 21, 1930, at Owatonna, Minn. the daughter of Floyd and Marion (Albertus) Eskra. She graduated from Preston High School and was married to Jack A. Wendt on Aug. 1, 1952. Joyce completed her education, graduating from Winona State University with a degree in education. She taught elementary and middle school in the Austin Public Schools system until her retirement.

Joyce was a longtime member of Fellowship United Methodist Church until its closing and merging with the First United Methodist Church, where she was now a member. She was a 60 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Joyce was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins and enjoyed following all sports. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, sewing and playing cards.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Jack Wendt in 1983.

Joyce is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanne and Bruce Jensen, Lock Haven, Pa., Joanne and Vernon Deadmond, Phoenix, Ariz.; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Ann Wendt, Bloomington, Minn.; grandchildren, Joshua Krob, Nicholas and LaVelle Krob, Sheila and Weston Lockman, Gary and Megan Jensen, Grant Jensen; great-grandchildren, Hayley, Paige and Emma Krob; brother and sister-in-law Roger and Gayle Eskra, Beatrice, Neb.

Unity Chapter No. 29, Order of the Eastern Star will conduct an Eastern Star Service at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with a memorial service to be held at 2:30 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Marilee A. Benson. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no reviewal.