Joyce E. Cowman, age 80, was welcomed into heaven March 30, 2022 surrounded by family and cared for in her home by family and Hospice. Joyce was born December 6, 1941 to Edith and Ernest Kutzner in Brainerd, MN. She attended school in Crosby-Ironton, MN, graduating in 1959. She attended Brainerd Community College followed by a career as an administrative assistant with Honeywell Corp. Hopkins, MN. She met Bill on a blind date in 1962. They subsequently married in September 1964. Bill’s career took them to Fargo, ND in 1965 where they raised their two children, Traci and Michael. Joyce continued her work at St. John’s Hospital and Meritcare (Sanford). She was active at her church, Olivet Lutheran, Mrs. Jaycees, Marriage Encounter and the schools attended by her children.
Upon Bill’s retirement in 2004, they made a major move to Park Rapids, MN to enjoy the lake home they had built together, to relax together, spend time with family and enjoy the sunsets.
Joyce continued to be active with a focus on community and church. She served on the Wellspring board, various opportunities at Calvary Lutheran Church, PEO Chapter T, and the Hospital Auxiliary where while serving as president she initiated the annual Festival of Tables fundraiser which was very successful and continues today.
She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren whom she enjoyed sharing her chocolate chip cookies with and winning at Yahtzee and Phase 10. Her Closet Sisters were very special to her as well and their continued love and support throughout the years was valued and appreciated more than words can say. Joyce loved cooking, baking homemade pies and chocolate chip cookies, and spending countless hours in her flower gardens.
Joyce will always be remembered for her willingness to help others with her upbeat personality, her sparkling blue eyes and her infectious smile that lit up every room she entered.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bill; children, Traci Anderson (Patrick Winsor) of Monticello, MN; Michael Cowman (Zena) of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren Karch Anderson (Rebecca) Monticello, MN; Garret Anderson, Seattle, WA; Ciara Houser, Minneapolis, MN; Brett Cowman, West Fargo, ND; and sister, Marie Schaefer, La Crosse, WI.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Darlene.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022 at Cease Family Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Visitation will continue Saturday, April 9 from 10-11 a.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids followed by a private family memorial service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care and Living at Home of the Park Rapids area.
Arrangements by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.
