Joy Elizabeth Burckhard

Joy Elizabeth Burckhard unexpectedly passed away at the age of 46.

Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at the Ballard-Sunder Chapel at 833 Marschall Rd, Shakopee, MN. 

The time of gathering will begin at 1:30 with a service following at 2:00 PM for all of those who knew and loved her.

Joy was born in Breckenridge, MN, the oldest of three siblings to Douglas and Susan Braun. She grew up in Kindred, ND and graduated from Kindred High School in 1996. 

Joy met the love of her life, Shawn, in 1998 and they were married in June 2000 and then moved to West Fargo, ND. Later she returned to school at Minnesota State University Moorhead and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting in December 2011. Shortly after graduation they moved to Savage, MN.

Joy worked as an accountant, but her true passions included knitting, exploring outdoors and spending time with her friends and family. 

As a prolific knitter she turned out many shawls, scarves, hats and many other items at a furious pace. She loved making baby blankets, hats and other gifts for her friends and family.

Joy believed in supporting many non-profit organizations along with serving on several boards including the South Metro ATV Club, Savage Arts Council and Minnesota Youth Rugby.

She also enjoyed volunteering time to dog adoption groups and fostering dogs to help them find their forever home. Her love for animals showed as several of the dogs became “foster fails” adopting them to become part of the family.

Music played an important part in her life as she enjoyed playing the piano, ukulele and acoustic guitar.

Joy enjoyed being outdoors and exploring new places, but especially loved riding ATV’s, fishing and camping. Whether she was exploring the trails on ATV, reeling in a big fish, relaxing on the boat or toasting marshmallows for s'mores around the campfire, her smile and positivity was infectious.

Joy is loved and will be greatly missed by her husband Shawn Burckhard; parents, Douglas and Sue Braun; siblings, Doug (Megan) Braun and Briony (Matt) Storz; her nephew Donovan, niece Harper; and many other family and friends.