Joyce J. Andrews, of Prior Lake (formerly of Eveleth), passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015 at the age of 86. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service is Friday, November 20, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. Joyce’s grandsons will act as pallbearers, and she will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On December 19, 1928 Chester and Mae Johnston celebrated the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Joyce Joanne. She was the oldest of three children and loved growing up in Eveleth with her siblings, Adrienne and James. As a child Joyce developed a strong passion for music. She even sang in the church choir.
During her senior year of high school, Joyce met the love of her life. She was at a party and saw a man playing the piano from across the room. That man was John “Jack” Andrews. They hit it off instantly. The following Christmas Eve, Jack proposed to Joyce. They exchanged wedding vows on August 14, 1948 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eveleth.
They moved to Colorado while Jack pursued his dream of becoming a pharmacist. Jack and Joyce lived and worked in Colorado for a few years, but eventually moved back to Minnesota. They settled in Duluth for a few years, but then moved to Prior Lake where they raised their five boys, Jim, David, Bruce, Paul and Grant.
Jack and Joyce owned and operated Andrews Rexall Drug from 1961 – 1979. They loved working together, and Joyce added a feminine touch to the store. She coordinated the flowers, cards and gifts sections of the store. After there was a fire at the store, Joyce semi-retired. She began working part-time for JC Penney. Joyce was a hard worker and liked to stay busy.
Joyce was a very talented woman, and throughout the years she shared her talents with her community. She loved producing a local radio program with her husband. Donut Dunkers was on KSMM for more than 15 years. Joyce also turned her musical talents into something that helped others. She co-founded the MN Valley Voices. They performed at local nursing homes and schools during the holidays.
As a woman of strong faith, Joyce was an active member of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church. She made the church’s communion bread for more than forty years and coordinated church luncheons. Joyce also donated her time to organizations outside the church. She volunteered at the Eagle Creek Thrift Store and for Meals on Wheels. Joyce was part of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and acted as secretary for the MN Iron Rangers Association for many years.
When Joyce wasn’t doing something for others, she enjoyed making crafts and painting ceramics. She even made ceramic Christmas trees for each of her boys. Joyce was also a wonderful cook and baker. Her specialties included red velvet cake, chow mein and pasties.
Joyce was a kind and loving woman. She was so generous to her family and community. During the early evening of Monday, November 16, 2015, Joyce went to be with the Lord. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
She will be missed deeply and remembered always by her sons, James (Carol) Andrews, David Andrews, Bruce (Paula) Andrews, Paul (Charmin) Andrews, Grant (Bernadette) Andrews; special nephew, Mark (Cindy) Ritchie; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nephews; other loving relatives and friends. There to greet Joyce in Heaven is her husband, John “Jack” Andrews; infant daughter, Teresa; parents, Chester and Mae Johnston; sister, Adrienne Ritchie; brother, James Johnston.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Andrews family.
