Joyce Bestul, age 75, of Fertile, MN, died Monday, March 2, 2020, at Altru Health Systems, Grand Forks, ND.

Joyce Faye Askelson was born February 25, 1945, in Twin Valley, MN, to Junior and Ovedia (Skeim) Askelson. Growing up she attended school in Twin Valley and Gary, MN. Following high school, Joyce was united in marriage to Dave Gerjets and they were blessed with two daughters. The couple lived in the Minneapolis, MN, area and Joyce worked as a waitress. Joyce and the girls returned to make their home in Gary. In October of 1968, Joyce received word that her fiancé, Frank Asp, had been killed in Vietnam.  She later met and became engaged to Larry Sorenson. Joyce and Larry had a daughter, Jackie.  While living in Gary, Joyce worked at the Gary Bottle Shop and the Gary Public School as a kitchen aide and playground attendant. She also taught Sunday School until 1998, when she started working in Mahnomen. In 1979, Joyce married LeRoy Bestul and together they added a son, Ronnie. The family made their home in Winger, MN, where they farmed. Joyce worked side by side LeRoy assisting him with all the daily chores like milking the cows. When she wasn't bringing meals to the field, she was on the tractor herself. After her daughter, Patty's tragic death, Joyce lovingly raised her grandson, Steven. LeRoy passed away in 1993 and Joyce remained on the farm in Winger for several years before moving into her apartment in Fertile. While living in Winger, Joyce worked for many years at the Shooting Star Casino Daycare before her declining health forced her to retire.

Joyce's personality was one that lent itself to be a Grandma to many. She always saw the good in everyone and loved visiting with family and friends. Her family was top priority and she attended as many of her grandchildren's sporting events as possible. Some of Joyce's favorite pastimes included going to rummage sales, the Fertile Fair, playing Bingo and just people watching. She also enjoyed attending Senior Meals, spending time at the lake and afternoon drives with her best friend and neighbor, Charlotte. When she wasn't on the move, she liked to spend time on Facebook, play games on her laptop, talk on the phone or just sit on her patio. Joyce was a long-time member of the Gary American Legion Auxiliary and the Winger Lioness Club. Joyce will be missed by many but live forever in their hearts.

Joyce is survived by a daughter, Jackie (DelRay) Rux of Holt, MN; four grandchildren: Steven (Gabby Morlock) Courneya, Rueben Fritsch, Jessica (Ben) Horgeshimer, and Shandelle (Branden) Sherer; nine great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Gabe, Isabel, Courtney, Nevaeh, Tracen, Kaiden, Kinzley and Brooklyn; a brother, Curtis (Bev) Askelson of Glyndon, MN; a sister, DeVaughn Hanson of Fertile; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two daughters, Patty and Jody; one son, Ronnie; a brother, Ronald; in-laws, Peder and Agnes Bestul; and brother-in-law, Rodney Bestul.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN.  Visitation took place Friday, March 6, 2020, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the church.  Burial will take place at Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.