In Loving Memory of Joyce Jacobs
Joyce Ilene Jacobs left us much too soon. This elegant lady, who never had a bad word to say about anybody, left this earth Sunday, July 23 rd , 2023 before we could show her, just one more time, how much she meant to all of us.
A Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at The Wilds Golf Club, 3151 Wilds Ridge Ct, Prior Lake, MN 55372. Interment St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Prior Lake. In lieu of flowers or donations, you’re invited to share your thoughts and remembrances of our beloved Joyce on Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home’s website at https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com Your tribute will be displayed at the Celebration of Joyce’s Life.
Attire: casual to elegant
Joyce’s journey started in the small farming community of Cadott, WI, on the family dairy farm. She was the second of four daughters born to Vern and Nadine Drehmel. She often mentioned, with a smile, that she was born 3 minutes before her twin sister Jean. The twins were inseparable, and their bond grew stronger over the years.
In her youth, Joyce along with Jean and their older sister Karen would spend time helping out on the farm, picking up rocks in the fields and finding nails for which they were paid a penny for every nail they found. Joyce discovered her passion for cosmetics at a young age. Her favorite day was when the Avon Lady would come to the house, and she would receive a treasured sample of lipstick.
Joyce, along with Jean and Karen attended a one room schoolhouse through 8 th grade. She went on to graduate from Cadott High School and always took pride that she never missed a single day of school throughout those 12 years.
Joyce always had big dreams. It was no surprise that the day after graduation, she packed her bags and moved to St. Paul, MN. Upon arriving, she worked for First Trust Bank, but she had greater aspirations. At the age of 21, Joyce convinced Jean to become flight attendants for Northwest Airlines. They were hired and flew together on every flight.
When Joyce married Chuck Moe, they were blessed with their son Josh. As a devoted mother, Joyce poured her heart and soul into raising her son. Her love knew no bounds, and she instilled in him the values of compassion, empathy, and perseverance.
They started their new life in a small home in Eagan, MN where her youngest sister Melody (Mel) would visit from Wisconsin in the summer to watch Josh. It was during that time that Mel met her husband Ron Tudisco who was Chuck’s best friend. The sisterly bond between Joyce and Mel added a level of closeness and comfort to the group’s friendship.
When Joyce and Chuck moved to Burnsville, MN they met many of their lifelong friends. These friendships were some of the most important in Joyce’s life. Although Chuck and Joyce eventually divorced, they remained friends and she never had an unkind word to say about him.
Professionally, Joyce worked at the Northwest Health Club while also working with Estee Lauder. She went on to enjoy a successful career as Resident Makeup Artist for Estee Lauder at Nieman Marcus, where her hard work and dedication garnered the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Joyce’s commitment to excellence and ability to uplift those around her made her a standout in her field until she retired in 2003.
In 1991 Joyce met Michael Jacobs, the love of her life. Joyce and Michael married in 2003, in Las Vegas, NV, where they built their second home in Southern Highland Golf Community. Their marriage was a journey of love and dedication, characterized by unwavering support and endless affection. It was a true love story! They enjoyed many trips and far away adventures, that they shared with their dear friends. Those trips were some of Joyce’s fondest memories.
When Josh met Kelly, Joyce’s heart expanded to embrace her as her own, forming a special bond that grew deeper with time. In 2000 Joyce’s first grandchild, Jacob was born. She was blessed with two granddaughters, Olivia in 2001, and Mackenzie in 2004. It was in the role of a grandmother that Joyce’s spirit truly shined. Her Grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she relished every moment spent with them. Her love and laughter filled their lives with joy and created treasured memories that will forever be cherished. She always said, “they are perfect”. Joyce was an amazing Grandma. She never missed a game, dance recital or school performance.
In 2015, Joyce and Michael moved to The Villa’s at The Wilds, in Prior Lake, MN. They lived across the fairway from Josh, Kelly, and the Grandkids. Being so close to family meant spending many happy times together, popping in for a glass of wine, an impromptu dinner or to spend time with the Grandkids.
Living in The Villa’s, Joyce and Michael formed many new friendships. Hosting cocktail parties provided the opportunity to bring friends, family, and acquaintances together, along with a passing golfer or two, to gather on their deck and enjoy a cocktail, share a good story and many laughs. All were welcomed. During the height of Covid, Cocktails in the Cul de Sac and the Neighborhood Coffee Group were created, a tradition that continues on.
Family traditions were most important to Joyce. Whether traveling to Tulsa, to see her sister Jean and brother-in-law Larry or hosting Easter and Christmas Eve, Joyce’s love for her family was a cornerstone of her life. Her affection extended warmly to her beloved nieces and nephews through her words of encouragement, playful interactions, or her warm embraces. She always made sure that they knew they held a special place in her heart.
As we grieve the loss of this remarkable woman, let us find comfort in the beautiful memories we shared with Joyce. Her love and spirit will continue to guide us, and her legacy will live on through the generations she touched.
We ask that you raise a glass in her honor, tell a nice story and make someone you don’t know smile. This is what Joyce would have done.
