Joyce Ulland, age 82, of Winger, MN, died Saturday, January 31, 2009 at First Care Medical Services Nursing Home in Fosston, MN.

Joyce Corrine (Anderson) Ulland was born July 9, 1926 at home to Carl and Johanna (Hoel) Anderson in rural Winger. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, attended Wooded Park School through the 8th grade, and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1944.

Teen years were filled with activities of Wooded Park 4-H Club, Luther League and Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation. She pitched for the Winger fast pitch softball team for several years, and fished with her brother, Arnold, and friend, Orville Messelt. She was dramatic and demonstrative and the first to volunteer for local plays.

Late in her teens she worked in the Twin Cities until her brother, Arnold, was called to serve in the Korean War. In her brother's absence she helped her father and neighbors with inside and outside chores on the farm. At the same time, she worked for her brother, Sidney, candling eggs at the Winger Egg Station. During the fifties and sixties she clerked at the Winger Hartz store, and the Berge Store.

She was a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 200, where she was active until the late sixties. She volunteered time as the school board treasurer. She sang in the Calvary Church Choir for several years, and was active in the Esther Circle. She and Elmer Ulland were married in 1967, and spent their 36 married years active in Winger community life.

As an avid animal lover she made pets out of the animals on the farm and cared for the stray dogs and cats that wandered through her yard. Joyce taught tricks to her favorite pet, Goldie, and the two of them visited and entertained at local nursing homes. Goldie was a gentle dog and the residents loved her. After moving to Prairie Pines Community in Fosston in 2006 and later First Care Medical Services Nursing Home, she pampered the nursing home dog, Shyla, with love, brushing and treats.

Keeping the community informed of the social life in Winger, Joyce wrote the Winger News column for over 50 years. Writing poetry about friends and relatives was her way of complimenting them, as she gave tribute to some and wrote memories of others. Flowers brightened her days, and she cared for her gardens and pots as long as she was physically able.

Color and design delighted her. She painted designs on pillowcases and offered them as gifts to her friends. Giving brought a smile to her face even into her later years when she battled pain and disability.

She was diagnosed with peri-arter-itis nodosa in 1968. She struggled with complications and medications the rest of her life, but in spite of her ailments, she stayed active and pursued many interests. She never bore any children, but she welcomed children into her home. Her adopted grandchildren came to play Nintendo, card games, board games and shared good things to eat as they played. Later, as the many adopted great grandchildren came along, she continued to be interested in their activities.

Preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers, Arnold and Sidney, and an infant sister. Surviving are: sister, Edith, nieces, nephews and cousins, adopted children, grand children, great grandchildren and special friends.

Memorial Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 11 am at Calvary Lutheran Church in Winger, MN.