Joyce Eleanor Johnson

Remembering the Life of Joyce E. Johnson

Joyce E. Johnson, age 88, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Joyce was born on May 3, 1938, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to Edwin and Martha (Newton) Helgeland. She grew up on a farm outside of Thief River Falls, where she learned the value of hard work and a life well lived. She was very active in 4-H and proudly earned ribbons while competing in various events at local and state fairs.

Joyce graduated from Thief River Falls High School in 1956 and went on to attend Concordia College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1960.

On August 30, 1958, Joyce married John “Art” Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Together, they shared 68 years of marriage, building a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and love.

Joyce continued her education throughout her life, earning her Master of Science degree from Colorado State University in August 1973. She loved her work as a teacher and taught in Ashby, Minnesota. When she wasn’t working outside the home, she found great joy in being a homemaker and caring for her family.

Joyce was deeply devoted to her faith and remained active in her church throughout her life. She kept busy with church activities and generously shared her time and talents with others. She traveled overseas on mission trips to Madagascar in 2003 and Uganda in 2004. She loved playing the organ at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served as a Stephen Ministry leader at Bethel. In 2004, she graduated from the seminary program through the Lutheran Brethren Church.

Joyce was a stylish and accomplished woman—hardworking, independent, and always keeping busy with a sewing project, playing the piano, or finding something new to learn. But she was always happiest when her gardens were in full bloom, which she carefully and strategically made last from spring through the very last bit of autumn. She found peace in the quiet of the countryside, joy in watching something beautiful grow, and satisfaction in caring for each plant. Her flower beds were more than gardens; they were a reflection of her love, her patience, and her beautiful way of making the world around her a little more beautiful.

Above all, Joyce treasured her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Art, of Fergus Falls; daughters, LaJoy (Alan) Rau of Mekinock, North Dakota, and Jadde (Josh) Nolte of Columbus, Georgia; and son, Chad Johnson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Courtney (Anthony) Walk, Kaitlyn (Adam Wells) Rau, Joshua (Marina) Rau, Brittany Rau, Colton Rau, Nathan Johnson, Jason Nolte, and Jacob Nolte; great-grandchildren, Della McArdle, John Walk, Lucas Walk, and Samuel Rau; and her brother, Orrin (Shirley) Helgeland of Burwell, Nebraska.

Her family will remember her for her strength, her faith, her love of learning, her beautiful gardens, and the countless ways she cared for the people around her. The beauty she cultivated throughout her life—in her home, her garden, and most of all in the hearts of her family—will continue to bloom for generations to come.

Memorial Service: 2 P.M., Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Bethel Church in Fergus Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Rev. Rich Iverson & Rev. Ed Monson