Joyce Stende

   Joyce Stende, 85, of West Fargo, ND, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Elim Care Center, in Fargo, ND, under the care of HIA Hospice.

   Joyce Marie Bussman was born on January 17, 1941 to Ralph & Bertha Bussman in Beach, ND. As an infant she and her family moved to the family farm in Milnor, ND. She graduated from Milnor High School in 1959.  Joyce attended State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND for 1 year. In 1961 Joyce was united in marriage to Roger Hom later divorcing in 1973. On October 29, 1990 Joyce was united in marriage to John Stende.

   Before retiring in 2003, she was employed for 35 years first for the post office in Forman, ND and then later she transferred to the Fargo post office. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts and was in involved in National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and was an active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Fargo.

   Joyce is survived by her husband, John, West Fargo; daughter, LeaAnne (Gary) Hamann; stepsons, John M. (Jodi) Stende & Donald B. (Elizabeth Thompson) Stende; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jeanette Bjugstad – Rapid City, SD and Patricia (Mark) Benson, Arvilla, ND.

   She was preceded death by her parents, Ralph & Bertha Bussman; and siblings, Sally Holm and Robert Bussman.

   Memorial Service: Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in First Congregational United Church of Christ, Fargo, ND.

   Private Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, Rural Harwood, North Dakota

   In lieu flowers, memorials are preferred to the Memory Café of the Red River Valley.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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