Joyce Anita (Gerrard) Nelsen, 99, passed away on June 15, 2026, at Towner County Living Center in Cando, N.D., surrounded by loved ones.

Joyce was born on August 4, 1926, in Cando to George and Mildred (Weiker) Gerrard and was the oldest of 13 children. Raised during the Great Depression, she learned the value of hard work at an early age. She helped support her family by working in the potato fields, where she and her sisters often competed to see who could pick the most potatoes. Paid one penny per sack, Joyce eventually averaged nearly 300 sacks a day. Years later, she shared those memories by giving treasured silver dollars she had saved from those days to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as a Christmas gift.

Joyce met the love of her life, George Nelsen, through their families. After George returned home from serving in World War II, he proposed, and they were married on June 5, 1947. Together they farmed east of Egeland and raised four children: Patsy, Dawayne, Robert, and Dwight. Joyce was an active partner in farm life, helping with everything from livestock to driving the grain truck.

After retiring from farming, Joyce worked as the cook at Egeland School and faithfully served Lakeview Lutheran Church as secretary for many years. Her faith, work ethic, and dedication to her community were evident throughout her life.

Family was Joyce's greatest joy. She loved cooking meals, hosting holiday gatherings, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One cherished family tradition was ending holiday celebrations with homemade pizza for supper. She also enjoyed traveling with her family and creating memories that would be shared for generations.

Joyce had a gift for conversation, and her legendary ‘Midwest Goodbye’ ensured no visit ended quickly. She would often follow guests to the door and continue talking long after they were ready to leave. If she wasn't visiting in person, she was likely on the phone catching up with family and friends.

For someone who never liked to end a conversation, it seemed only fitting that her final goodbye would be much the same. Surrounded by family, Joyce called her loved ones close and left this world the way she lived it—connected to the people she loved most.

Joyce is survived by her children: Patsy (favorite son-in-law Larry) Weber, Dawayne (Barb) Nelsen, Robert (Marla) Nelsen, Dwight (Susan) Nelsen. 10 grandchildren: Lyle, Lori, Cheri, Chris, Lynn, Leann, Kara, Darin, Anne and Dustyn. 17 great-grandchildren: Riley, Parker, Gracie, Callie, Gage, Ryker, Abraham, Gavin, Henslee, Stella, Josie, Rhett, Finley, Teddy, Gunnar, Zachary and Hannah. Sisters: Fada Garbe, Jeannine Anderson, Evelyn King, Bonnie Sampel, Mildred Anderson and Gail Roller. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; and siblings Lois Covington, Naomi Chromy, Carol Tupa, Wayne Gerrard, Ronald Gerrard, and George Gerrard.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Lakeview Lutheran Church in Egeland, N.D., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Egeland.

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to: Union Cemetery c/o Jamie Jacksen, 7360 85th St. NE, Egeland ND 58331