Joyce Anderson

Joyce Elizabeth Perpetua (Larson) Anderson found peace with her loved ones in heaven on July 31, 2007.Joyce was born in Roseau, MN the first daughter of Rev. A.H. and Lena Larson. Her name meant, "Rejoice in the Lord Forever." She was privileged to have been baptized, confirmed, and married by her father. She spent her childhood living in various locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin and recalled fabulous stories about growing up in a large minister's family.Joyce moved to Strandquist, MN as a teenager when her father became the minister at Bethesda Lutheran and Salem Lutheran Church. She began high school at Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, but returned to Strandquist where she graduated. She attended college at Mayville State where she obtained her teaching certification. She had the unique experience of teaching grades one through eight in a one-room schoolhouse in Neche, North Dakota. During this time she began dating Elmer Anderson of rural Strandquist. They were later married at Bethesda Lutheran Church in a unique ceremony where members of the Larson and Anderson families provided the music, flowers, and bridal party. They lived near Strandquist for a short time where she worked as the high school secretary. When Elmer was drafted into the Army, they experienced a two-year adventure that took them to Louisiana and Germany. They returned to the Karlstad area where she focused on being a good wife and mother while Elmer started a business. In the 1980's Joyce returned to school for a year and then opened a successful hair salon. She valued the many friendships that were made during this time.Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted mother who was selfless in her desire to make her family happy. She was always proud of her children's accomplishments, but was especially proud that all of her children graduated from college and obtained advanced degrees. Her support and encouragement were crucial to their success.Joyce was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Karlstad and served there in numerous capacities including several years as Sunday school superintendent and as wedding hostess. She loved cooking, baking, decorating, traveling, and following fashion trends. She was a life-long learner and most recently enjoyed following the stock market. Joyce was diagnosed with end-stage ovarian cancer five years ago. Rather than accepting her dismal prognosis, she became educated about her disease and sought the most progressive treatments available. She took charge of her medical care and was able to enjoy life to the fullest. She would encourage everyone to become knowledgeable about their medical conditions and to seek additional opinions. She would also encourage people to become informed about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.Joyce is survived by her loving husband and the following children and grandchildren: Drs. Debra and Robert Bach, Lynea, Christian, and Gunnar; Paul and Mindy Anderson, Britteny, Blair, Grant, and Nora; Joan and Mark Kempf, Dylan, Thomas, and Hannah; Lynea and Linus Kalenze, Jake and Lauren. Blessed Be The Memory Of Joyce Anderson