Joyce P Anderson

Joyce Petrea (Nielsen) Anderson was born on May 14, 1948, to Maria (Schmidt) and Viggo Nielsen in

Askov, MN. Joyce passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 74 surrounded by her family at home

in Staples, MN. Joyce grew up quickly taking on responsibilities in the house and on the farm much

sooner than most.

Joyce married David Anderson on June 18, 1966, when she was barely 18 years old and moved to

Staples, MN. They embraced their new community whole-heartedly, building strong relationships that

would thrive for decades. Joyce and David had five children, Rick, Kristi, Jodi, Mark and Becky between

1967 and 1977.

A people-oriented extrovert, Joyce joined numerous organizations and, almost inevitably, gravitated

toward leadership. While she was in high school, she began speaking for social justice both informally

and formally. Into adulthood, some official leadership roles included: Golden Gophers 4-H Club (co-

founder and long time leader); Stephen Ministry (trainer and program facilitator); Church Council

(secretary); Synod Council, Palliative Care; Director of Youth, Family and Educational Programs; Care

Ministry Board; Sunday School and Confirmation teacher; Church Choir (45+ years); Bell Choir; Youth

and Family Consultant; Worship Committee; Nominating Committee; Together Encountering Christ

Retreat Program (leadership roles); Staples-Motley Beyond Poverty; Staples Area Women’s Choir (35+

years); and Wadena Community Concert Band (28 years). Joyce had a long, successful career with

Provider’s Choice Inc. and received the Edie Award for outstanding service in 1990. Joyce served as

Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Director of Youth and Family at

Faith Lutheran Church. In these roles she positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young people and

their families.

Joyce could be described as a giver, a doer, a practical dreamer. Guided by her vision of inclusive

community, she intuitively assessed situations large and small, rolled up her sleeves and reveled in the

work. Joyce built connections in every setting from deeply personal conversations to gatherings of

hundreds or even thousands. If one needed a heart-to-heart talk, a warm hug or a tank of gas, Joyce

would make it happen. Her faith in others revealed strengths they may not have previously recognized

in themselves. A joyful spirit who took delight in the company of others, Joyce will be missed

immensely.

Joyce’s family includes husband David, children Rick (Donna) of Missoula, MT, Kristi (Ed) of Lake Elmo,

Jodi (Brad) of Park Rapids, Mark (Caytie) of Minneapolis, Becky (Mitch) of Andover, grandchildren Dylan,

Drew, Sarah, Jordan, Brook, Myah, Berit, Olivia, Nicholas, Dane and bonus grandchildren Brittany,

Emma, and Stef; brothers Harald and Larry and many extended family members.

Memorial contributions will be shared with some of Joyce’s favorite organizations including the Staples

Area Women’s Chorus, the Wadena Area Concert Band, and the Living Legacy Gardens.

Those wishing to send flowers may contact Williams Floral in Staples, MN.

https://williamsfloralmn.com/

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on January 28, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church in

Staples, MN. A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday, January 27, 2023, and from 11-12:00 P.M.

on Saturday, January 28, at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, MN.