Memorial Services will be 1:00 PM Friday, March 20, 2026 at Community Covenant Church in Upsala for Joyce J. Larson. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, after doing laundry and finishing lunch, Joyce Joan Larson (Nelson) died peacefully in her sleep while napping. She was 92.
Joyce was born on a small farm near Turin, IA on December 13, 1933 to H. Raymond Nelson and Lenora Francis Lenander. She was an only child raised on that farmstead. She was valedictorian of her class of 24, where she met and married her husband of 65 years, Melvin. They moved to Ames, IA where Joyce worked at a bank while Mel completed college, and they ultimately moved to Wells, MN 1960, where they raised 2 sons, Scott and Ross. Joyce and Mel retired to Pine Lake near Upsala, MN in 1994 after building a home on the lake.
She was active in the Church in both Wells and Upsala, being in the choir (directing) and various boards and groups, and an organist and pianist for services. She was also active in the Upsala community, organizing and scheduling events at the Upsala Recreation building.
Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, reading, antiques, and baking cookies. Joyce enjoyed a hot cup of tea, but mostly she loved her grandchildren and spending time with family.
She is survived by her son Scott and his wife Joni, son Ross, grandchildren Aaron, Cassie and Kaity, and great-granddaughter Eastyn.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Melvin and grandson Bryan.
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