Joyce Mikkelson
Joyce Mikkelson, 91, passed peacefully from this life Friday, July 20.
The eldest of nine children, Joyce was born April 1, 1927, in Prairie du Chien, to Lawrence and Genevieve LaPointe. She left school early to help support the family during the Great Depression. On Aug. 19, 1945, she married Melenor Mikkelson, and together they raised four children. She died one month shy of their seventy-third anniversary.
Over the years, in addition to being a beloved wife and mother, Joyce worked for a time at Harmony Enterprises, and Stan’s Bakery. She learned to drive a car in her forties, and served as Harmony’s Avon Lady, selling cosmetics door-to-door. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and crafts.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Mel, 93; her children, Larry Mikkelson, Gary Mikkelson, Sherry Miller and Tami Hoag; and eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Gene LaPointe, Bruce LaPointe and Ron LaPointe; and her sister Sandy Thompson.
Her funeral will be held Thursday, July 26, at 11 a.m., at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn., with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Croix Hospice, 3800 Hwy 52 North, Ste. 200, Rochester, MN 55901.