Joyce Beverly Peters was born on February 7, 1930 in Windom, Minnesota. She peacefully breathed her last on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Amery Memory Center in Amery, WI at the age of 94.

Her parents were Henry H. Peterson and Ruth E. (Nerness) Peterson. Joyce was baptized into the Christian faith in 1930 and then confirmed at Bethany Lutheran (ALC) Church, Storden, Minnesota.

Joyce spent her early childhood at the grandparents’ farm near Storden. She enjoyed farm life, especially the animals. The family moved to a farm on the north edge of Storden until it was sold and then moved into a small house in town. Joyce had a pet dog, Snowball, and loved animals. The small house in town had only one bedroom and no indoor toilet. The house was later enlarged, with a second bedroom added. Joyce was in Nurses training before she had her own bedroom and indoor plumbing.

Joyce was active in Storden schools and graduated with a class of fifteen (15) students in 1947. After graduation she worked for Dr. Johnson in Storden for one year as a receptionist, although she was also trained to give shots. In Fall 1948 she enrolled in the Fairview School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN and received her Registered Nurse (RN) degree in 1951. In 1949 Joyce contracted polio and missed about 3 months of nurses training, which was made up after graduation.

Joyce met Richard “Dick” Duane Peters one Sunday afternoon on a visit to relatives in Slayton, MN in 1947. They dated occasionally but didn’t get serious until she was at Fairview and he was at the University of Minnesota. Joyce and Dick were married September 22, 1951 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Storden. Joyce and Dick’s marriage was blessed with three children: Rebecca Jo “Becky” (11/13/1952), Margaret Anne (2/26/1954), and David Richard (3/25/1960).

Joyce worked at Fairview Hospital until Dick graduated in May 1952 with a BBA, Accounting major from the U of M. After graduation Dick was commissioned into the U.S. Regular Navy Supply Corps (1952-1955). Joyce worked at a hospital in Norfolk, VA until Becky was born. Dick was commissioned on the USS John R. Pierce for two years, during which time Margaret was born while Dick’s ship was in Naples, Italy. Shortly after Margaret’s birth, Joyce and the girls returned to Storden until Dick’s ship returned and he was discharged in May 1955.

Dick had a long and successful career in finance with 3M Company. The family moved into a new home in White Bear Lake, MN in 1956, and David was born. The family lived in the White Bear Lake area until Dick retired in 1989 … with one exception: 3 years in Auckland, New Zealand, with Dick serving as the first Managing Director of 3M New Zealand.

Joyce and Dick were long-time residents in retirement on the shores of the Apple River in Amery, WI. They were dedicated members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Amery, WI.

Joyce had many talents and interests. She had a great love for music, playing the piano and organ, plus she was an excellent singer. She sang in choirs into her 80’s. She also loved the church, outdoors, nature, fishing, photography, and scrap booking. She had a great love for her Norwegian heritage and was able to make two trips to Norway to visit ancestral farms and homes. She was a member for many years of Nord Norge, an organization of northern Norwegian Americans.

She had many friends in the various places the family lived, and will be truly missed by many.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Richard D. Peters (1930-2019), as well as her parents, Henry and Ruth Peterson.

Joyce is survived by her children, Rebecca Peters of White Bear Lake, MN, Margaret Driscoll (Chris Gross) of Apache Junction, AZ, and David (Donna Forry) Peters of Ventura CA. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Patrick (Isidora) Driscoll, Luke (Chelsea) Driscoll, Benjamin Keyes, Elliot Keyes and Mattie Peters; and her great-grandchildren Riley Driscoll, Kellen Driscoll, Larson Driscoll, and River Driscoll.

The family of Joyce Peters would like to express their deep thanks and gratitude to you for being with them to share their sorrow, but also to share their joy that Joyce is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Mere words will never be able to express the appreciation for your many prayers, acts of kindness and love shown to Joyce’s family during this difficult time. May God continue to richly bless all of you.

Joyce’s funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Amery, WI at 10:30am Friday, March 15. Following this service, Joyce will be laid to rest next to Richard at Amery Cemetery, Amery, WI. A luncheon provided by the Redeemer Lutheran Church Ladies’ Aid will be served in Redeemer’s Fellowship Hall afterwards, where food, fellowship and fond memories will be served and shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed by Redeemer Lutheran Church, Amery, WI and the Audubon Society.

Last Update: Mar 04, 2024 1:45 pm CST