Thief River Falls – Joyce Swenson, 89, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls.
Joyce Swenson was born in Thief River Falls on July 23, 1933, daughter of Helmer and Mabel (Hagen) Melhouse. She was confirmed at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church. When she was younger, her family lived in Michigan. Later, they moved to Thief River Falls, where she attended Country School and then TRF public school.
On October 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to Herbert Swenson in Thief River Falls. To this union two children were born, Michael and Kaylynn. The couple lived on the Swenson family farm southwest of Thief River Falls where they raised grain and dairy cattle for over 50 years.
Joyce truly loved to read, reading 100 books every year. She always kept in contact with friends and family through phone calls, lots of handwritten letters and she sent out hundreds of cards for birthdays, anniversaries, get well wishes and “thinking of you” greetings. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and spending time with them.
Joyce is survived by her son, Michael of Thief River Falls; daughter, Kaylynn (Tom) Wold of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Paul (Anne) Swenson of Byron, Adam Swenson of Buxton, ND, Andy Swenson of Minneapolis, and Matt (Ashley) Wold of Coal Valley, IL; great-grandchildren, Blaine Swenson, Mason Swenson, Aubrey Swenson, Lukas Swenson, Zuriel Wold and Titus Wold; brother, Jerome Melhouse of Burnsville; along with several nieces and nephews.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Swenson; parents, Helmer and Mabel Melhouse; brothers, Dennis, Arvid, Marvin, Jerel, Jerry and Ron; sister, Marlis Voldness; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Vernon (Muriel) Anderson.
The funeral for Joyce will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial will be at Landstad Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested.
Casket Bearers: Paul Swenson, Adam Swenson, Andy Gordon, Matt Wold and Lukas Swenson.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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