Joyce Ann Reynolds, 96, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, February 5, 2023, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with her husband, Bill, by her side.
Joyce was born in Jackson, MN on June 1, 1926, the daughter of Charles Joachim and
Myrtle Petra (Jacobsen) Reppien. She began her education in Jackson schools until 1943 when the family moved to Crookston, where her father went into business with relatives already living in the area. Joyce completed her high school years as a proud graduate of Central High School with the Class of 1944. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. On September 2, 1950, Joyce was united in marriage to Wilfred D. Reynolds in Crookston. Joyce and Bill settled into their first home, and she began teaching at the Northwest School of Agriculture, a high school located where the University of Minnesota Crookston is now located. She later taught at Crookston High School and developed a class for students who were cognitively slowed. Accepting a position with the Sisters of Saint Benedict at Mount Saint Benedict High School, her assignments required a lay person who could teach PhyEd and Health, English Lit, Driver’s Ed, English as a second language, and coach women’s sports. She soon received the nickname “Sister Imean”. The pseudonym came about as she was the only woman who was not a nun to teach at the Mount. Students would come up to Joyce and begin a conversation with “Sister, I mean Mrs. Reynolds, can you help me?” Joyce was very popular with her students and she loved teaching at the Mount. While coaching track her team qualified for and WON the Minnesota State Championship! Following Joyce’s retirement, she was a frequently requested sub at Central High School, which she enjoyed doing for several years.
Joyce and Bill have been devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. She was very active in WELCA and Bible Study groups. Joyce also held membership in Mathien Study Club, a General Federated Women’s Club in Crookston, and at one time served as State President of the Minnesota Chapter. She chaired the Crookston Library Board during its incorporation into the Lake Agassiz Regional Library and helped organize the construction of the beautiful new library facility. Joyce was active in several other women’s groups including AAUW, Women’s JayCees, Book Club, Newcomers Club, and the Order of Eastern Star. As a longtime educator, her favorite pastimes were, what else, solving crossword puzzles and reading. Joyce and Bill were part of a lively group of Crookston teachers who met regularly to play bridge and enjoy occasional travel together. Bill was very actively involved in the leadership of the Crookston Masonic Lodge and Joyce would often accompany him to conventions and he would reciprocate by joining Joyce at hers. Joyce enjoyed scrapbooking as a way of detailing their many travels, and her crocheting and knitting bag was always close at hand. Over the years her many projects included afghans and personalized Christmas stockings for all of her family, especially the great-grandchildren.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered and very sadly missed by Bill, her beloved husband of 72 years; their 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Charles “Corky” and Christine Reynolds of Crookston, MN, and Christopher and Mary Reynolds of Fargo, ND; 6 grandchildren: Paige Lutterman, Colin and Shane Reynolds, and Leagha, Jill, and Katy Reynolds; 4 great-grandchildren: Connor, Chase, Zoë,
and Irving; 2 sisters, Ardis Rovelstad of Largo, FL and Olga (Polly) Marshall of Mankato, MN; along with nieces, nephews, and many friends. By her passing Joyce has been reunited with her granddaughter, Meredith Leigh Reynolds, who died on February 6, 2002; and her parents, Charles and Myrtle Reppien.
Joyce’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held in late May-early June. Messages of condolence may be offered to Bill and the family by going to Joyce’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com
