Joyce Bak, age 82, of Fertile, MN, died Thursday, January 5, 2012, in Riverview Health, Crookston, MN.
Joyce M. Lene was born May 24, 1929, the daughter of George Lene and Martha (Lunde) Lene on a farm near Clearbrook, MN. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Clearbrook. At the age of 11, Joyce moved to Gary, MN and attended school there while she lived with her Aunt Sena. On September 18, 1944, Joyce was united in marriage to Joe Bak in Mahnomen, MN. The couple made their home in Sundal Township all of their married life where they farmed and raised their boys. When the boys had grown, Joyce was employed at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile for many years. Joe died September 22, 2010. Joyce had resided at the Fair Meadow Nursing home for the past several years.
Joyce was a member of Sundal Lutheran Church where she enjoyed being active in the ladies aid. In her younger years, Joyce took pride in tending her flower gardens and making quilts and blankets. She enjoyed the time she spent with friends and family and she treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by two sons, James (Julie) Bak of Fertile, MN and Joel Bak of Warroad, MN; nine grandchildren, Scott (Rachel) Bak, Lonnie Bak, Steven (Lori) Bak, Cody Bak, Julian Bak, Jennifer (Brent) Carlson, Janna Bak, Jeanice (Chad) Horton, Jessica (Brian) Bak; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers, Dennis Lene of Fosston, MN and Lowell (Doris) Lene of Grafton, ND; sisters, Mavis Almen of Grafton, ND, Lois (Gene) Harwood of Bagley, MN, Janet (Larry) Almen of Tehachapi, CA and Marlys (Milton) Bear of Klamath Falls, OR; sisters-in-law, Ruth Lene of Clearbrook, MN and Elaine Lene of Leonard, MN.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Jerry and John, three brothers, Llaude, Lester and Bernett and one sister, Alice.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 13, 2012, at 2:00 PM in Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with Jenny Hanson serving as organist and Diane Rasmussen serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Scott Bak, Lonnie Bak, Steven Bak, Cody Bak, Julian Bak, Shawn Moser and Chris Moser.
Inurnment was in Sundal Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile, MN.