Joyce Braak

Joyce Elaine Braak, 62, Baxter, passed away Friday, September 1, 2006 surrounded by many family members and friends at St. Josephs Medical Center in Brainerd. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 5, at 1 pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, with Reverend Darrell Pederson and Reverend Jennifer Wilson officiating. Friends may visit at Brenny Funeral Chapel on Monday, September 4, from 5-7 pm, and at the church during the hour prior to services on Tuesday. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby. Memorials are preferred, to Relay for Life.
Joyce was born December 28, 1943 in Ottertail County, to Berndt and Wilma (West) Loween. She grew up on the family farm in Compton Township before their family moved to Wadena. She graduated from Wadena High School in 1961 and from the cosmetology program at Wadena Technical College in 1962. She married Benjamin Bellefeuille of Crosby on May 28, 1963. The family moved to Crosby and then to Boise, Idaho. Ben passed away July 8, 1976. Joyce returned to Minnesota. On September 25, 1982, she married Allen Braak, of Baxter. Together, Joyce and Allen were active charter members of Lord of Life Church in Baxter and Spirit of Hope Church in Mesa, Arizona. Joyce and Allen spent the last nine winters with many friends in Apache Junction, Arizona. Joyce was a compassionate and understanding person. Her love and devotion to helping the church, her family, and her friends was proven. She spent countless hours volunteering in planning and organizing church and community events, acting as secretary and treasurer. She recently walked the 2006 Relay for Life in Brainerd, accompanied by her husband, Allen. Most of all, Joyce loved her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Joyce is survived by Allen Braak, her loving and devoted husband of 24 years; children, Brenda (David) Neuenfeldt, New Hope, David (Jacki) Bellefeuille, Brainerd; stepson, Bradley Braak, Burnsville; grandchildren, Benjamin Bellefeuille, Brainerd, Riane Bellefeuille, Brainerd, Adam Bellefeuille, Brainerd; great-grandchild, Brooklyn Snow- Bellefeuille, Brainerd; brothers, Berndt (Kathy) Loween, Coon Rapids and Richard (Joyce) Loween, Wadena; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Berndt and Wilma Loween; her first husband, Benjamin Bellefeuille; an infant daughter, Cindy Kay Bellefeuille; two infant brothers; and one infant sister. Services entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.