Joyce Theadosia Balzum, 84, Ada, Minnesota, died Friday, June 24th, 2016, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

She was born on August 3, 1931, to Elling and Helga Prestegaard at home in Twin Valley, MN. Because Joyce was not doing well after her birth, her uncle, Ted Prestegaard, baptized her at their home. At a young age, Joyce's parents died. Her two older sisters, Esther and Hazel, raised her until she was old enough to care for herself. She attended Country School in Fossum Twp, near Twin Valley and graduated from the Twin Valley High School in 1949. Following her schooling, Joyce worked at Valley Retirement Home, Twin Valley and Northwestern Bell in Fargo, ND.

On July 5, 1953, Joyce married her soulmate, Harold Balzum, at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. They made their home near Ada, MN. Joyce worked for Gunderson Potatoes, as a harvester, every fall. She also worked for Skalsky Potatoes cutting potatoes for seed. Throughout her working years, Joyce enjoyed waitressing. She worked at Irene's Snack Bar, Bob's Café, and ARC Lanes. Meeting and serving people a cup of coffee with a smile brought Joyce a lot of joy. Joyce's integrity was seen in her work ethics and respect for those she worked for. In 2002, Joyce was hospitalized for 11 months due to an illness and was no longer able to be a waitress. She was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, the American Legion Auxiliary Post #7557, the Jolly Neighbors Homemakers Club, and Good Will.

Joyce cherished her family. Each one had a unique and special quality that she appreciated and enjoyed. Times visiting with family and friends were filled with laughter, food and conversation. Joyce had over 100 cook books and could tell you where to find recipes in which cook book. She loved getting her hair done, playing Bingo and going to Casinos. Her favorite color was red and appreciated anything bright. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a sense of new life and pleasure as they grew up. Perhaps, the fondest memories of Joyce revolved about growing, preserving and eating the produce she made.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 63 years, Harold, Ada; four children: Cheryl (Wayne) Roquet, Julie (Rick) Lisburg, Renee (Kelly) Kappes, and Gary Balzum, all of Ada; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; several cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Esther Hansan and Hazel Stundahl, and one brother, Louis Prestegaard.


Funeral: 11:00AM, Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Wednesday June 29, 2016 from 5-7PM with a prayer service at 6:30pm at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, Minnesota.

Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.