Joyce Thompson, age 86, of Hendricks, MN passed away on Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Hendricks Hospital in Hendricks, MN. Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Hendricks, MN. Burial will be at the Hendricks City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Houseman Funeral Home in Hendricks, MN.
Joyce Irene Thompson (Hexum) was born on March 13, 1933 in Hendricks, MN to Ole and Clara Hexum (Nelson). She was called home to her Heavenly Father on July 22, 2019.
She attended Hendricks High School graduating in 1951. On January 14, 1953, during a terrible snowstorm, she was married to Maurice Alfred Thompson of Hendricks at Calvary Lutheran Church.
Joyce loved life and enjoyed each day to the fullest. The strength that she drew from her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to many. Her Christian conviction was strong and she devoted herself to her family, church and community.
After moving back to Hendricks in 1978 she worked at 3M and retired 10 years later. For several years following her retirement, she operated a ceramic business out of her home and volunteered at the local Thrift Store.
Her zest for life was expressed through her many interests – gardening, quilting, ceramics, baking, church, and Legion Auxiliary; but the loves of her life were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She enjoyed gardening and her gardens were a sight to behold each spring and summer. She had the reputation of being the “Flower Lady” who could make anything grow and bloom. She enjoyed playing games like UNO, Phase 10, Dominos, and Rook, which lead to lasting memories around her dining room table.
Joyce faced many battles throughout her life, but never once complained. Her faith in the Heavenly Father was strong and unwavering. Every morning, Bible in hand, you would find her in her chair feeding on the word of God. She was a wonderful example of how our faith can grow and mature to become stronger with each passing day, regardless of the circumstances.
Joyce is survived by her children who are thankful to have shared her life: Lynette (Paul) Schnackenberg, Concordia, MO, Laurie Thompson, Whitesboro, TX, Lisa (Keith) Johnson, Hendricks, MN, and John (Stephanie) Thompson, Clovis, CA; 11 grandchildren: Rebecca, Jeremy, Jesse, Michelle, Ryan, Nicki, Alexa, Emily, Allison, Tanner, Tatum; 5 great-grandchildren: Madalyn, Esme, Odin, Ian, and McKenzie; sister Clarice (Dale) Artz (Hexum), Hendricks, MN; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Alren, Lowell and Orris; husband, Maurice and their infant daughter Rebecca Jean.
