The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Joyce VanTassel, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, at St. Francis Nursing Home in Breckenridge.

Joyce was born on Sept. 18, 1922, to Arthur and Mabel (Swenson) Ness in rural Wolverton. She grew up and attended school at Wolverton and graduated High School in 1941.

After her schooling, she worked for area farmers.

On July 30, 1942, Joyce married Lester J. Grenier. They farmed and raised their family in Roberts Township, Wilkin County.

Lester passed away March 13, 1968. After Lester’s untimely death, Joyce attended NDSSS for secretarial studies then obtained employment at the Breckenridge High School.

She married Kenneth “Key” VanTassel June 24, 1981, and then moved to Otter Tail Lake where they owned and operated Greenwood Resort. They eventually sold the resort and retired, remaining at Otter Tail Lake.

In 2005, they moved to Breckenridge. Key passed away on Oct. 25, 2012.

Joyce became a resident of the St. Francis Nursing Home in the fall of 2012.

Joyce was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Wahpeton Eagles Club, and St. Thomas Catholic Church. She loved to crochet, and, over the years had received blue and grand champion ribbons at the Wilkin County Fair for her entries.

She had a green thumb and counted it a joy to have exhibits in the fair for her flower and vegetable gardens. Her yard always looked like the “Peace Gardens.” Joyce enjoyed card playing, dancing, fishing and spending time with family and friends. She was a gracious hostess and very special mother and friend.

Joyce is survived by her children, Kenneth (Darlene) Grenier of Breckenridge, Paulette (Gary) Hushka of Garrison, N.D., and LaDawn (Keith) Kappes of Kent; her grandchildren, Bill Grenier, Tina Grenier, Jason Hushka, Joe Hushka, Sara Kerzmann, Stephanie Weiss, Jolene Lillquist and John Kappes; 17 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Edna Baron of Minneapolis, and Karen Poelakker of Hurricane, Utah; and many special nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Mabel Swenson; her first husband, Lester Grenier; her second husband, Kenneth “Key” VanTassel; her brothers, Gordy, Vernon and Donald; and two sisters, Margie Chura and Laverne Ness.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Friday, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Kent

Clergy: Rev. Peter Kirchner

Burial: St. Thomas Cemetery, Kent

Funeral Home: Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge