Joyce Ina Johnson

Joyce Ina Johnson, 94, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021 at Primrose Retirement Community. Joyce was born on December 31, 1926, and was a lifelong resident of Duluth, MN. Her parents were Herbert and Etta Thayer. She graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1945 and attended the Duluth Business University. She was a lifelong member of the Norton Park United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women and the former Ruth Circle. She developed many special friendships throughout both.

Joyce married her wonderful husband, Henry A. Johnson on June 7, 1947. They lived in Duluth and spent many happy summers at their cabin on Caribou Lake. Both enjoyed entertaining a host of friends and relatives at their summer home. For years, they also experienced many adventures traveling the United States in their motorhome. Joyce’s family meant the world to her and was her whole life. She was an intelligent woman and an avid reader. She spent many hours working on her computer and enjoyed looking at what people she knew were posting. Animals were a particular joy for her, especially her beloved cats.

Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Henry (June 12, 2004); parents, Herbert and Etta Thayer; and dear friends, Walter and Irene Lundquist. 

Joyce is survived by her children, David T. (Debbie) of Blaine, MN, Wendy Johnson (David Waller) of South St. Paul, MN, Barbara (Todd) Steen of Hermantown, MN, and Steven (Sherry) of Hermantown, MN; grandchildren Cammie (John) Young and Matthew Johnson and their mother, Carol Johnson, Dr. Carrie (Dr. Todd) Costantini, Cody (Bart) Casperson, Stacy (Derek) Czapiewski, Kelsey (Nik) Holt, and Dr. Kaylee Steen (Lucas Huffman); 8 great-grandchildren whom she adored, Avery and Hannah Costantini, Kendrick and Theo Casperson, Landon and Harper Czapiewski, and Rylan and Hadley Holt; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Joyce’s family would like to express their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Primrose staff who found time to do puzzles with her, especially last year when others could not visit, and Kindred Hospice, both for their kind and compassionate care.

There will be a private family graveside gathering at a later date. Memorials preferred to the Norton Park United Methodist Church or Animal Allies Humane Society of Duluth.

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