Joyce Johnson

Joyce M. Johnson, 80, formerly of Staples, MN died on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Pioneer Senior Cottages in Breckenridge, MN. A Memorial Service for Joyce will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN with Pastor Gene Floistad officiating. Visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, MN.

Joyce was born on February 4, 1932 to Gordon and Elenora Brusoe in Rhinelander, WI. The family later moved to St. Paul, MN. She graduated from Murray H.S. in 1950. For a H.S. graduation present, Jim gave her a diamond engagement ring.

In 1952 she was united in marriage to James LeRoy Johnson. They made their home and raised their 5 children in Staples, MN. In 1974 the family moved to Dilworth, MN where James was employed by the railroad and Joyce was employed by St. John's Hospital. In 1976 they built a new house and moved back to the farmstead in Staples. James preceded her in death in May 1982. Joyce was employed by the Staples United Hospital until her retirement in 1994. Joyce moved to St. Paul to care for her mother and then later moved to Fargo, ND to be close to her daughter's family. She moved to her son's farm in Barnesville, MN in 2000 to live with him and his 3 sons. She moved to Breckenridge, MN in 2006 to be close to daughters. She has resided there ever since.

Joyce continued to be a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. She enjoyed gardening and being outside. She was a devoted wife and mother who loved cooking and caring for her family. Especially in her later years her grandchildren meant everything to her. She loved having tea parties with them when they were little. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews who visited her and sent her cards. She loved the get-togethers and making Klub and Lefsa. Even though she married into that tradition, she embraced it! She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was a wonderful mom, grandmother and auntie.

Joyce is survived by her five children, 3 daughters, Connie Krabbenhoft (Steven) of Breckinridge, MN, Gayle Miller (Tom) of Breckenridge, MN, and Brenda Sullivan (Shannon) of West Fargo, ND; 2 sons, James Johnson (Deb) of Staples, MN, Daryl Johnson (Kristy) of Barnesville, MN; sister, Carol Richter of Coon Rapids, MN; brother, Ronald Brusoe of Grantsburg, WI; 13 grandchildren; and 3 great-granddaughters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Elenora Brusoe; husband, James; and brother, Peter Brusoe.

Her family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at the Pioneer Senior Cottages and Barb Mohs, Pastor Manning and Pastor Floistad, and Riveredge Hospice for all their many kindnesses provided Joyce as she made her final journey. Our friends went above and beyond what was required of them to show her family unbelievable kindnesses. We will never forget this gift.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.