Joyce Espeseth, 89, Towner, died Monday, January 8, 2024 in a Harvey nursing home.
Joyce Anne Espeseth was born June 11, 1934, the daughter of Edward and Doyie (Blake) Espeseth in Minot, North Dakota. She was raised on the family farm in Falsen Township of McHenry County near Denbigh, ND. She graduated from Dakota Lutheran High School in Minot. She attended Minot State University and then taught at Villard School in rural Denbigh. She attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from UND in Grand Forks with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Joyce was employed as a child welfare worker for Burleigh County Social Services in Bismarck, ND and then worked in Welfare Administration in Eddy County Social Services in New Rockford, ND.
Joyce returned to the family farm in 1967 and remained there until 2011, when she moved to Towner.
Joyce enjoyed gardening, birdwatching and selling Tupperware in her spare time. She will be remembered for her love and raising of blue-heelers and volunteerism by the Midway Association for Children with Special Needs during her active years.
Joyce is survived by her sister-in-law Delores Pederson of Thousand Oaks, CA and nieces Mary Ellen (David) Courtney and Patti-Ann (Michael) Hall, along with numerous great nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, brother Frank Pederson and niece Emily Waltz.
A private graveside service will take place in the spring at Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Denbigh, ND.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Joyce Espeseth, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
