Joyce Spande

Joyce J. Spande

For sixty years, Joyce J. Spande shared a life of unwavering love and devotion with her husband, Loren. On July 11, 2026, at the age of 79, Joyce passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Just fifteen days after Loren's passing, Joyce's earthly journey came to a gentle close. Married on July 16, 1966, their family finds comfort in believing they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together in Heaven.

Loren was the love of Joyce's life, and together they built a marriage defined by commitment, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. Through life's joys and challenges, they stood faithfully beside one another, building a life together that continues to be reflected in everyone who knew and loved them. Even as the disease gradually changed their lives, they cared for one another with patience and understanding. Walking that difficult road together gave them a rare ability to comfort and encourage one another.

Born on September 7, 1946, Joyce had a remarkable way of making people feel loved and cared for. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a homemade cake, a carefully sewn dance costume, or one of her unforgettable hugs, she quietly reminded those around her how much they mattered.

Above all, Joyce loved her family. A devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, she treasured time with her daughters and grandchildren. Her hugs became one of the quiet ways she reminded those she loved they were never far from her heart.

Her daughters' interests became her own. As a devoted dance mom, Joyce spent countless hours sewing costumes, helping dancers prepare for performances, and keeping the studio's books, quietly working behind the scenes so others could shine.

Joyce and Loren were true partners in life and work. While Loren owned and operated his construction companies, Joyce managed the finances and, with her children, helped prepare each newly completed home for the families who would soon call it their own. She also dedicated many years to Thomson West before later serving as a Personal Care Assistant, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for others.

An exceptional seamstress, gifted cake decorator, and wonderful cook, Joyce loved creating things that brought people together. Her homemade meals, toffee bars, pies, and Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie bars became family traditions in themselves.

Joyce loved fishing. Whether casting a line from the dock or joining Loren on one of

their boats, she never tired of a day at the lake. In later years, she found equal joy sitting beside Loren on their glider bench, soaking up the sunshine and watching the sunset over

the water. Hawaii also held a special place in her heart, and she and Loren made fourteen unforgettable trips to the islands.

Perhaps nothing reflected Joyce's heart more than her love for animals. She never ignored an animal in need. Whether taking in a stray, nursing an injured bird back to health, or caring for wildlife that crossed her path, she believed every living creature deserved kindness. Her beloved bunnies and faithful dogs were treasured members of her family.

Joyce's faith in Jesus Christ remained central to her life. She enjoyed Bible study and found strength in her relationship with the Lord. In their later years, one of Joyce's and Loren's most treasured traditions was praying the Lord's Prayer together each night. Their shared faith strengthened both their marriage and their trust in God.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren J. Spande; her parents; her brother, Larry; and all those who welcomed her into eternal life.

She is survived by her loving family, who will forever cherish her creativity, generosity, warm embraces, unwavering devotion, and the memories she leaves behind.

Some love stories never truly end. After sixty years of marriage, Joyce was reunited with Loren, the love of her life. Together they built a life marked by unwavering devotion, quiet acts of kindness, steadfast faith, and unconditional love.

Perhaps their greatest accomplishment was never measured in the businesses they owned or the many things they accomplished throughout their lives. It was measured in the people they loved, the lives they quietly changed, and the example they left behind. That legacy will continue for generations to come.

A Dual Celebration of Life honoring Loren and Joyce Spande will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post #557 in Deerwood, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to celebrate two lives well lived and a love story that continues to inspire all who knew them.

Joyce and Loren will be laid to rest together at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with military honors for Loren.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce's family invites memorials to the ASPCA, a cause that held a special place in her heart. Supporting animals in need was one of Joyce's greatest passions, and honoring her memory through a gift to the ASPCA would have meant the world to her.