Joyce Garfield, age 98, a longtime resident of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, died Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Welcome Home Senior Living in Elmwood, Wisconsin after a short illness.
Joyce was born March 10, 1926, the first child of Clifford and Anna (Erickson) Larson. She was born at the home of her maternal grandmother in Wildwood, Eau Galle Township, St. Croix County, Wisconsin and baptized at Gilman Lutheran Church. She had two younger brothers, Allen and David. Joyce was blessed with a great memory and loved sharing stories of her childhood right up until her last days. She began her education attending a one-room country school in Gilman township. After several years the family moved to Spring Valley, where her father operated a Standard Oil gas station.
Joyce was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley and was a 1945 graduate of Spring Valley High School. After graduation she moved to Minneapolis where she attended Frances Nystrom School of Cosmetology and later was employed at a salon in the Uptown neighborhood.
Joyce and her future husband, Howard, had known each other since childhood. After Howard returned from service in World War II, he furthered his education at Macalester College in St Paul. They reconnected during that time and began dating. When an opportunity arose for Howard to go into business for himself, he left school, bought the locker plant (Spring Valley Frozen Foods), and learned the meat cutting trade.
Joyce and Howard were married at St John’s Lutheran Church on August 5, 1950. Their honeymoon was an adventurous and memorable month-long road trip to southern Mexico, accompanying a group of others from Macalester College. Joyce worked for several years after marriage at a beauty shop in Baldwin and later assisted at the locker plant when needed. In 1953 their son Rick was born, followed two years later by daughter, Marcie. Joyce thought their family was complete, but in 1963 the family grew with the surprise arrival of twins, Bradley and Barry, followed by Greg in 1970.
Joyce’s life was very full taking care of home and family. Her family meant everything to her. She was a caregiver to her parents in their later years, as well as to a special aunt, Rachel Erickson. She treasured time spent with grandchildren, and loved seeing her family all together, especially the Christmas Eve gatherings in her home. Joyce and Howard hosted many summer weekends and holidays with family and friends at their cottage on Tainter Lake. Those were some of her most cherished memories.
Joyce’s faith was very important to her. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was involved in women’s circles, bible study, altar guild, and quilting. After Howard died in 1998 Joyce was able to remain in her home for another 24 years, where she enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, and frequent visits from special pup, Riley. She moved to Welcome Home Senior Living in Elmwood in the fall of 2021. An activity she enjoyed the last few years was writing poetry to share with family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Allen, sister-in-law Georgia Larson, and parents-in-law Frank and Clara Garfield. She was also pre-deceased by her Garfield in-laws and their spouses.
Joyce is survived by her brother David Larson, her five children Rick (Linda), Marcie (Peter) Nied, Brad (Julie Henning), Barry (Jackie), and Greg (Angel). Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Adam (Denver) Garfield, Macie and Molly; Sarah (Jake) Hartung, Lucas, Sam, and Charlie; Angela (Brandon) Walczak, Brody and Peyton; Dan (Roberta Larsen) Nied, Rikka, and Lars; Eric Nied; Ali (Sherman Smith) Nied; Laura (Chris) Weber, Warren and Marian; Ryan (Ashley) Garfield, Levi; and Grace Garfield. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Welcome Home for the tender care shown to Joyce, especially in her last days.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with prior visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Bob Friese will officiate. Burial of cremains will take place at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Rock Elm, Wisconsin. Keehr Funeral Home (keehrfuneralhome.com) in Spring Valley is handling arrangements.
