Joyce Kathleen Howard

Joyce Kathleen (Nelson) Howard passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN,                 Joyce was born on July 1, 1927, the daughter of Elvin and Karen (Berg) Nelson in Lakota, ND.  Joyce graduated from the Lakota High School a year before her class having skipped the first grade.  At seventeen, she was enrolled in Pacific Lutheran College in Seattle, WA.  She left college to marry her high school sweetheart, Keith Howard on October 18, 1944 in San Francisco, CA.  Keith was serving in the US Navy and was stationed in the Pacific theatre during WWII.  After the war, they moved to Fargo, ND where they raised their family.  Joyce later continued her education at Moorhead State University, graduating in the same class as her son.  She used her many gifts teaching special education in the Fargo Public School System.  Joyce was strongly supportive and encouraging to her husband in his career and during their 57 years of marriage.                 Joyce loved summers at their lake home on Two Inlets Lake where they retired in 1989.  She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, water skiing (until the age of 70, swimming, cooking, gardening, playing the piano, being active in the Lutheran Church and entertaining friends and family.  Joyce spent her last years fighting a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She never lost her need to be on the move, her impeccable manners, and her enjoyment of music.                 Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her children:Judith (Warren) Skistad of Madison Lake, MN, Denise (John) Kisser of Park Rapids, MN and Russell (Brenda) Howard of Duluth, MN; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; her sister, Elvina Jo (Alan) Ormistad of Fairdale, ND and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith; her sisters: Lois Hendricks and Vivian Schneider; brothers: Russell Nelson and Norris Nelson.  Joyce will be missed by all her family members. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the Hubbard Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN with Rev. Laurie Kantonen officiating.  Interment will be made next to her husband in the Lakota Cemetery, Lakota, ND.  Her casket bearers will be her grandsons:  Stephen Kisser, Jason Skistad, Kraig Skistad, Jeffrey Skistad, Matthew Kisser, Justin Skistad, Michael Kisser and Jesse Howard.  Her honorary casket bearers will be her granddaughters: Kimberly Sheagren, Kristine Olson and Jacqueline Weyrauch.  Visitation will begin at the Hubbard Methodist Church one hour prior to the service.  To leave on line condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com