Joyce Arleen Motschenbacher

Joyce Arleen (Kronbeck) Motschenbacher passed away peacefully in her sleep the afternoon of May 2, 2022 at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, MN.  Joyce was born October 22, 1940 to Hyacinth (Blakeway) and Alfred Kronbeck on Silver Lake in Clay County, MN. She lived in Hawley for much of her childhood until her family moved to Moorhead where her sister Connie was born. Joyce had many aunts, uncles and cousins in the area and cherished creating memories with family.

Joyce graduated Moorhead High School and married Paul “Buster” Motschenbacher in 1959. They raised 2 children living in Moorhead, moving to Shakopee, MN for 7 years, then to Littleton, CO for a short time, finally settling in Sabin, MN where they successfully established P&J Construction Company. Joyce worked as a computer operator at the Fargo Forum for many years.

Upon retiring, Joyce and Paul moved to Rush Lake, building and living in 2 different homes along the lake. They had a rich retirement playing cards and entertaining friends for over 15 years. Joyce enjoyed a bountiful garden, canning and pickling, and was a talented seamstress.

In 2020, they moved to Serenity Assisted Living where Paul passed away shortly thereafter. Joyce enjoyed her friends and the many comforts of Serenity, where she could usually be found listening to country music and crocheting dishcloths and dresser scarves.

Joyce’s parents, sister Connie Versdahl and husband Paul “Buster” preceded her in death.

She leaves behind a daughter Patsy (Dean) Wallace, a son Brad (Jill) Motschenbacher, 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is greatly missed by family and friends.

Joyce’s family will be holding a private family service on a later date.