Joyce B. Zaviska, age 68, of Waubun, MN, died Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Joyce Bessie Krajsa, the daughter of Stanley and Bessie (Snobl) Krajsa, was born February 2, 1943 in the family farm home in Chief Township, Mahnomen, MN. She attended school in Mahnomen and graduated with honors in 1961. On October 28, 1961, Joyce was united in marriage to Bennie Zaviska in the Mahnomen Congregational Church. The couple made their home on an eighty acre farm North of Waubun. Joyce helped out with the farm-work, milking cows, driving tractor, and kept a large garden, all while raising their four children. It was very important that her children had the opportunity to participate in 4-H, Farmers Union, and other activities. She made sure that each of her children got a college degree.

Joyce worked for MEAD in 1987 and was a 4-H food-stand manager at the county fair for five years. Joyce also managed the Waubun Community Center for six years starting in 1989. In 1995, she took a job as a co-cook at the Waubun School for seven years and then took the position of bus aide and filled in as a room aide for three years, retiring in 2005.

Joyce was an avid volunteer and truly enjoyed helping others. She and Bennie often gave of their time to the Helping Hands Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, and the Mahnomen County Historical Society. She was a member of Circles of Faith United Church of Christ where she was active with the Women's Fellowship group. Joyce also belonged to Thrifty Homemakers, American Legion Auxiliary, and served as the secretary for both the local and county Farmers Union Organizations and was president of the Western Fraternal Life Association. She gave of herself in the past by donating her hair to Locks of Love and as a final gift in death, Joyce donated her eyes to the Lions Eye Bank.

Joyce was a devoted mother and grandmother. Each year, she looked forward to family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. She truly treasured each and every one of her children and grandchildren and strived for their happiness. She will be deeply missed by all of them.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Bennie of Waubun; four children: Cindy (Jerome) Upton of Duluth, MN, Kelly (Robert) Borck of Winona, MN, Russell (Susan) Zaviska of Thief River Falls, MN, and Randall Zaviska (Karrie Moen) also of Thief River Falls; two brothers, Stanley D. (JoAnn Marc) Krajsa and James (Darlene) Krajsa of Mahnomen; one sister, Darlene Zaviska of Mahnomen; five brothers-in-law: Leo Zaviska of Detroit Lakes, MN, Melvin (Joyce E.) Zaviska of Grand Prairie, TX, John Zaviska of Seattle, WA, James (Leona) Zaviska of Prescott, AK, and Wesley Nelson of Detroit Lakes, MN; a sister-in-law Ruby (Ray) Morgan of Seattle, WA; and 15 grandchildren: David, Alexander, Johnathan, Sarah, Joseph, Jake, Paul, Victoria, Thomas, Isabella, Peter, Jacqueline, Samuel, Abigail, and Kayla; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister-in-law, Blanche Nelson; and a nephew, Adam Krajsa.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Circles of Faith United Church of Christ, Waubun, MN. Pastor Kristy May was the officiant. Carol Christensen played the piano and Jerome Upton provided the special music. The urn bearers were Joyce's grandchildren: David, Alexander, Johnathan, Sarah, Joseph, Jake, Paul, Victoria, Thomas, Isabella, Peter, Jacqueline, Samuel, Abigail and Kayla. The Waubun American Legion Auxiliary Unit #436 provided a dedication. A time of gathering was held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday March 25,, 2011 at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Inurnment was at the Bohemian Lodge Cemetery, rural Mahnomen.