Joy C. Tellekson (Thomas), age 83, died peacefully at home on December 31, 2014 surrounded by family after an almost 30 year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
A Celebration of Joy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. all at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. A luncheon will follow in the McKenna Crossing atrium. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The National Parkinson’s Foundation. www.parkinson.org
Joy began life in Sioux City, IA, graduating from East High School where her lifelong friendship with her “Sub Deb” friends began. Joy married Don Thomas, her high school sweetheart, in 1952. Many of their married years were spent in St. Joseph, MI, raising Bill, Terri and JoLynn. Joy began working in real estate during Don’s lengthy illness and after his death. She excelled as a realtor.
In 1977, Joy married Keith Tellekson, a high school friend from Sioux City, moved to Freeport, Il and then to Plymouth, MN. Keith has three children, David, Kristin & Jane. She lived her life to the fullest even after an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Joy sang in many choirs over her lifetime having a beautiful alto voice. She golfed & played bridge. Joy & Keith loved their time boating & fishing on Lake Minnetonka and winters in Arizona. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids.
She will be missed by her husband of 37 years, Keith Tellekson; children, Bill (Debbie) Thomas, Terri Brintlinger, JoLynn (Jeff) Wagner, David Tellekson, Sally Tellekson, Kristin (Dave) Murawski, Jane (Rob) Juten; grandchildren, Ben (Katie) & Matt (Lauren) Brintlinger, Jay (April) & Jack Wagner, Alex, Sarah & Molly Tellekson, Allison Murawski, Peter & Jonathan Juten; great grandchildren, Micah, Fin & Maggie and Jay Brintlinger; her brother Jim (Janice) Haugen; and the rest of her family. She was eagerly anticipating the birth of a great granddaughter in January.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Cub & Vera Haugen; her first husband, Don Thomas; and her son-in-law, Todd Brintlinger.
Keith and family would like to thank the staff from Encore and Optage for their amazing support.
