Watch Joey's Service

Joyann "Joey" Espeseth, age 89, of Thief River Falls, MN, formerly Winger, MN, died Monday, September 28, 2020, at Oakland Park Nursing Home, Thief River Falls, MN.

Joey was born on July 9, 1931, to Genevieve Schouveiller of Callaway, MN. Growing up, she spent a lot of time at her grandparent's farm enjoying aunts, uncles, and playing with her cousins. She loved her bicycle, both ice and roller skating, and fishing. Joey worked in her Mom's hamburger shop during her school years. She attended school in Mahnomen, with her freshman and senior year of high school at Mount Saint Benedict in Crookston, MN, where she graduated with the class of 1951. Later that year, Joey met Arnold "Arnie" Espeseth at a Lutefisk dinner in Bejou, MN. The couple was united in marriage in 1952 and had 50 years together before Arnie died.

Joey's hands were never idle. She was a Girl Scout leader, belonged to a bowling league and the American Legion Auxiliary. She started the first arts and crafts festival in Winger, was active in the Ladies Aid in Bejou and later in Mahnomen. Joey was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Red Hatters, and part of the Red Apple Sunday brunch crew. She was a wonderful homemaker, a very good cook, avid gardener, and her yard was always full of beautiful flowers. In her spare time, she enjoyed painting, completing jigsaw puzzles, and was always ready for a card game with family. She cherished visits with her grandchildren and spending time with friends and family. Joey will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joyann is survived by her daughter, Libby (Bill Kilpatrick) Espeseth; sons, Brian (Mary) Espeseth, Tony (Julie) Espeseth, and David Espeseth; nine grandchildren: Shelly Krebsbach, Jason Espeseth, Ben (Sydney) Espeseth, Jordan Espeseth, Kayla Espeseth, Aaron Espeseth, Lisa Espeseth, Jacob Espeseth, and Bryce Espeseth; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnie; parents, Genevieve Young and adopted father, Cecil Young; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Public Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen on Friday, October 2, 2020.  Visitation will be held one hour before the funeral at the church.  Burial will take place at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, in Winger, immediately following. Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, strict social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.  Mass will be video recorded and will be available for viewing online later Friday afternoon.

In leu of flowers,  the family prefers that memorials be donated to St Michael's School, in Joyann's memory.