Obituary of Joyce Bumgardner

Joyce Bumgardner, 80, passed away Nov. 26, due to Parkinson's and related complications. She was known as Joy to friends and loved ones, Aha (and Haha) to her grandchildren, and Mrs. B to thousands of students. Joy was a children's book author, poet and educator. She taught elementary school for many years in Wayzata, Minn.; later, she worked as a consultant, teaching creative writing at school districts around the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, G. Arthur and Lilly M. Norlin, and her brother, Dennis A. Norlin. Joy is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Bumgardner, of 57 years; and her children and grandchildren: Gaye of Chaska and children, Andrew, Jeremy and Destiny; Karin (Thom) of St. Louis Park and children, Gabrielle, Joey and Mia; and Jim (Denise) of Plymouth and children, Anna, Nathan and Risa. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. Service will be at Plymouth Congregational, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27; visitation at 10 a.m. Gifts may be made to Heifer International or to a family fund established in honor of Joyce and Larry Bumgardner: InFaith Community Foundation, 625 4th Ave. S., Ste. 1500, Minneapolis, MN 55415; please write The Red Mailbox Dynamic Fund in note portion of check.