Joyce "Blondie" Jean Henriksen

Joyce “Blondie” Jean Henriksen was born on May 11, 1941 to Clarence and Henrietta (Giese) Damman in Pipestone, Minnesota. She was raised in Jasper, Minnesota and attended school in town, graduating as a Quartzsiter in 1959. She then attended business college in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After her education, Joyce returned to Jasper, where she married Clair Henriksen. The couple made their home first in Luverne, Minnesota and later Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was blessed with four children. The couple later divorced. In addition to raising her family, Joyce held many jobs during her career, including various secretarial jobs, waitressing and bartending. Later in life, she held one of her favorite jobs which was assisting tourists making reservations at Yellowstone National Park. Due to her declining health, she moved to be closer to family in Rock Rapids, Iowa. On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Joyce passed away peacefully at Lyons Specialty Care in Rock Rapids at the age of 83 years, two months and 21 days.

Joyce enjoyed riding horse, playing pinochle and solitaire, reading western and romance books and attending rodeos. She loved her family, especially spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She was never shy with her words and enjoyed visiting with people and striking up conversations any strangers.

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her three children, Jolene (Zach) Borman of Rock Rapids, Jennifer (Dennis) Evans of Jasper, Minnesota, Jim Henriksen of Rock Rapids; grandkids, Shannon (Brett) Bootsma, Brittany Rustad, Lexi (Matt) Newman, Max Borman, Daniel (Kenzi) Lee, Kristen (Jeff) Schafer, Ethan Smith, Mellisa Smith, Stacey (Ryan) Baedke, Chelsey (Bobby) May, Cassie Evans, Jake Evans, Christopher Peters, Devon Henriksen, and Seth Henriksen; 18 great-grandkids; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jill Voyles; grandson, Eric Lee; parents, Clarence and Henrietta Damman; sister, Norma Thomson; brother, Vincent Damman.