Joyce Nelson

Joyce Elaine Nelson, 82, of Crookston, MN, passed away Saturday morning, September 22, 2018, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, succumbing to the cancer she had been so bravely battling for many months.

Joyce was born in Crookston on September 4, 1936, the only child of Noel and Marie (Paske) Brouillard. She was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church, attended Crookston elementary and middle schools, and graduated from Central High School in 1954. She then worked as a nurse’s aide until her marriage to Ray Earl Nelson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston on January 14, 1960. Ray entered the U.S. Army in September of 1961 and was stationed in Hawaii, where Joyce was able to join him. They were later blessed by the birth of their son, Terry, who was born in Hawaii. Following Ray’s honorable discharge in September of 1963, the family returned to Crookston. Joyce was a devoted homemaker and lovingly cared for Ray and Terry throughout the years. Ray and Joyce did everything together and they loved going to the mall to people watch, visit with friends they would cross paths with, and make new friends as well. Sadly, Ray passed away on July 26, 2011. Joyce had attended the Lydia-Rachel Bible Study at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the past several years. She loved sharing meals with family and friends and the engaging conversations that took place were as important as the food. Joyce remained in her home until becoming a resident of the Villa this past July 9th.

Joyce is lovingly survived by her son, Terry, of Crookston, MN; and other family members and friends. In addition to Ray, her beloved husband and best friend of 51 years, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Noel and Marie Brouillard; parents-in-law, Joe and Mabel Nelson; her puppy and faithful companion, Sasha; and other relatives. May God bless the memory of Joyce Elaine Nelson.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Joyce Nelson will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN, with Dwain Fagerlund, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. Memorials may be given to the family.

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