Joy Thede

Joy Thede, 95, died Monday, Dec. 29, at the Eventide Care Center, Moorhead, MN. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 29, at 1:30 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jamestown, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be held at a later date.

Joy Richelyn Isler was born April 6, 1930, in Kulm, ND to John and Christina (Gutschmidt) Isler. She was baptized and confirmed at Kulm United Methodist Church. Joy moved to Jamestown where she met Omer Thede at Ebertz Café. They married on February 17, 1950. They were blessed with two daughters and 32 years of marriage. Omer passed away in 1982. Joy was employed at Hillview Cafe, Tellner Jewelry, Montgomery Ward, True Value Hardware, White’s Home Center and JC Penney. After leaving retail sales Joy established her own home cleaning service. She moved to Moorhead in 2016 for health reasons and to be closer to family.

Faith was central to Joy’s life. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She belonged to Dorcas Circle, served on wedding and funeral committees, and was a regular coffee server at Sunday services. Joy grew up singing with her sisters and continued her love of music as a member of St. John’s Choir. She enjoyed attending concerts in Jamestown with good friend Avis Halverson. She especially enjoyed coffee parties with friends, old and new. Many happy memories were made from travels throughout the US and Canada with her husband and daughters. Reading was a favorite pastime. Joy was proud to have earned her GED later in life.

In later years Joy faced daunting physical challenges but she met them with her typical tenacity, good humor, and an unwavering faith that “God will provide.” The physical therapists at Bethany Retirement called her their “rock star.” Ever the optimist, her emotional strength heartened her loved ones.

Joy is survived by daughters Marilyn (Paul) Bridgland and Carol Thede; granddaughter Stefanie Bridgland; sisters Della Smith and Marion Schmidt; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her sister Alice Hehr, infant sister Mildred Isler, her parents, and grandson Daniel Bridgland.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of HIA Hospice, Eventide Care Center, and Chaplain Steve Streed for their comforting care of Joy in her final days.

Memorials may be directed to HIA Hospice (HIA Health, Philanthropy, 3800 56th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104) or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jamestown.