Joyce Bucholz

Joyce Bucholz, 81, of Fargo and formerly of Rock Lake and Sarles, ND, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Bethany Retirement Home in Fargo.

Joyce Elaine Curtis was born August 1, 1929 to Frank and Grace (Benzing) Curtis on the Curtis family farm in rural Cavalier County near Sarles, ND. She was baptized on August 13, 1939. She enjoyed school, participating in all school activities including basketball. She graduated from Sarles High School as the Valedictorian of her class in 1947. She remained close to friends and family and took great pride in being from the Sarles community.

On June 27, 1947, Joyce married Harry Bucholz in Crookston, MN. Together they raised their eight children living and working on the family farm north of Rock Lake. In 1972 they sold the farm and moved into Rock Lake. They first purchased the Standard Oil Station and later purchased the town tavern, which they operated as Harry’s Bar. Joyce also worked many years as a cook at the Rock Lake School. Later they were employed with the United States Postal Service, taking over a rural mail route that served a portion of Egeland and Cando. Harry and Joyce operated the mail route together for 25 years. They relocated to Fargo in the fall of 2005, residing at River Square Apartments. Due to their failing health, they made another move to Bethany Homes in the summer of 2009. After Harry’s passing in March, Joyce moved to Bethany on 42nd in Fargo.

Joyce loved to garden,sew, and cook for her extended family.The kitchen was the center of family life, and she always had something on the stove or fresh from the oven. Everyone was welcome in her home and at her table. She was always full of energy, enjoying a brisk walk, picking raspberries, or a friendly game of Scrabble. Joyce was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Sarles and later the Methodist Church of Rock Lake. She was also a member of the Sarles American Legion Auxiliary and the Sarles School Alumni Association.

Joyce's family was most important in her life. She is survived by her sons: Robert “Bob” (Joyce) of Aberdeen, SD; Jack (Lorrie) of West Fargo, ND; Kim (Monica) of West Fargo, ND; daughters: Vicki (Paul) Voglewede of Double Oak, TX; Patti Snavely of Egeland, ND; Kandy (Brad) Held of Cando, ND; Tami James of West Fargo, ND; and Gina (Randy) Scheidecker of Glyndon, MN, 22 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and sisters: Shirley Janzen of Phoenix, AZ and Linda (Monte) Abair of Buchanan, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Grace Curtis, husband Harry, son-in-law Jamie Snavely, grandson Shane Oakland; one sister Donna Jean,and brothers Earl and Roy Curtis.

VISITATION will begin at 5:00 with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Dunnigan Dix Funeral Home of Cando, ND.

Visitation will also take place for one hour before the time of services at the church on Wednesday.

SERVICES will be Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Rock Lake, ND.

So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.

Our sincere sympathy to all of your family. God's blessings to all of you. Your Mom was always so fun-loving. Lots of memories of her when we all lived in upper Towner County.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol Retiree's Association would like to express our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the Bucholz family at the loss of your mother, Joyce. It seems unfair that a family has to endure a double dose of sorrow within a year. Please know that the association members hold you all close to their hearts in these troubling times.

My deepest sympathy to your family. I remember all the times at the farm with Bob, Vicki and Jack. Good old Bryan School and the great times we had back then. Was always good times with Joyce and Harry. Our prayers are with you at this sad time.

We send our condolences to the family of Joyce. I was able to visit with her at their 60th wedding party. She will be missed for her kindness and wit.

Kandy, Tami, and Gina, My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time. I have fond memories of your parents and the warmth of their home while growing up in Rock Lake.

My deepest sympathy to all of you during the loss of your mother, Joyce. She was one that always had a "hello and a smile", when I would come back to Rock Lake to visit. Memories of her will last forever.

Dear Family of Joyce, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a dear lady. My brother Jerry Forseth, was treated like family during high school years. Turn to your faith and Christ's promise that we will all see our loved ones again, in the peace and joy of heaven. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Joyce (and Harry) were frequent visitors at my house in Sarles as I was growing up. My parents were good friends with her's and Harry was a cousin. Reading of her life written here brought back many fond memories.

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your mom. We know that the strength of your family and friends will get you through this difficult time. We are thinking of you often.

Thinking of your family at this time of loss. May God surround you with happy memories and good times never forgotten.