Joyce Amy Nelsen Krueger, 93, of Tofte and Grand Marais went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2020. She passed away peacefully at North Shore Living in Grand Marais.
Joyce is survived by her children: son Ronald Krueger, wife Ramona Larson of Saginaw, daughters Karen Ranning and Lorri (Glenn) Peterson of Grand Marais, and son Mark Krueger of Tofte, brother Roger (Ann) Nelsen, seven grandchildren: Shelly (Dallas) Starkey, Jennifer Speck (Ben Peters), Stephanie (Mike) Tamblyn, Nichole DeRosier, Michael (Melissa Miller) Krueger, Andrea (Tony) Everson and Jonathan Mealey. Fifteen great-grandchildren, special nieces and nephews, former daughter-in-law Darlene Krueger, as well as many friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Steve Krueger, parents Arvid and Amy Nelsen, son-in-law Brad Ranning, sisters Eleanore MacKenzie and Ardis Johnson and special sister-in-law, Joyce Taylor.
Joyce was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on February 25, 1927, to Arvid and Amy (Lindskog) Nelsen. Joyce fondly talked about her younger years living on, and going to school at Maple Hill. In 1948, Joyce married Stephen Krueger and moved to Tofte. In Tofte her summers were spent working at the Krueger family resort, North Shore Hotel. At the hotel, Joyce and her sister-in-law Joyce Krueger Taylor, became dear friends as well as the “chefs” at the resort. The “Two Joyces”, as they were known, had a reputation as excellent cooks and bakers.
Following the sale of North Shore Hotel, Joyce transitioned to a new career at the Tofte Post Office. Joyce worked as the clerk at the post office and was later appointed to the postmaster position.
After 19 years with the US Postal Service, she retired to spend time doing the things she most loved: gardening (as a 30+ year member of the West End Garden Club), baking, sewing, playing the piano and socializing with friends and family.
Joyce was an active member of Zoar Lutheran Church. Her faith was strong as was her love for her church family. Two Sundays a month she looked forward to playing at church as a charter member of the Christian Contemporary group, Generations For Christ.
Any place there was a piano, Joyce was happy to sit down, take song requests, and “play away.” Sing-a-longs with family and friends always made for fun gatherings and are fondly remembered by everyone. She played for many weddings, funerals and social events over the years.
Joyce was extremely loving, kind, thoughtful, talented and faithful. Her family meant the world to her. She meant the world to her family. We are very thankful for the many years we had our mother’s smile, laughter, hugs, and love.
Due to the COVID- 19 virus, the memorial service for Joyce will be held at a later date. Details will be made available when the date has been scheduled. Memorials are preferred to Zoar Lutheran Church in Tofte, Minnesota.
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