Joyce Elaine Dykstra, age 90, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by compassion, service, and love.

Joyce was born on April 17, 1936, to Thys and Ihla Mae (Fredrickson) Dykstra in Pipestone, Minnesota. She was baptized on October 2, 1938, and later confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Holland, Minnesota. She was raised on her family's farm in Ellsborough Township near Ruthton, Minnesota, where she developed the strong work ethic and quiet determination that would guide her throughout her life. Joyce graduated from Ruthton High School in 1954 and went on to pursue her calling in nursing.

Joyce devoted more than 40 years of her life to caring for others. She worked at United Hospital in St. Paul, formerly known as Miller Hospital, where she cared for one of the hospital's first open-heart surgery patients. She spent many years serving in the Intensive Care Unit before continuing her work in the medical-surgical unit. Joyce viewed nursing not simply as a career but as a true calling and a blessing, offering comfort, skill, and reassurance to countless patients and families.

Outside of her profession, Joyce enjoyed traveling and found joy in small daily routines, including checking her horoscope each morning. Above all, she cherished time spent with family and friends. She shared close bonds with her nieces, nephews, and extended family, and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and steady presence.

Joyce was preceded in death by her devoted partner, James Kusch; her parents, Thys and Ihla Mae Dykstra; her siblings, including her sister Donna and brother-in-law Dale Biever; her brother Eddie and sister-in-law Marjean (Dykstra) Larson; her niece Lori Ann Biever; and her niece-in-law Lori Biever (Jeff); and great-nephew Nicholas Biever, son of Lori & Jeff.She is lovingly remembered by her four nieces: Linda Fritz, Ihla (Paul) Carlson, Wendy (Gerry) Fishlock, and Vicky (Jeff) Bruce; her nephew, Jeff Biever; 15 great-nieces and nephews; 19 great-great-nieces and nephews; along with other family members and dear friends.

Joyce's life was a testament to quiet faith, selfless service, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.