Joyce Strehlow

 Joyce Fern Strehlow, 92, Ottertail, MN died March 30, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. 

 Joyce was born in Bertha, MN on December 29, 1927 to Edward E. and Olga E. Rosenberg.  She graduated from high school in Langdon, ND in 1945.  After graduation she began a Civil Service job in Washington, DC, attended a government secretarial course in the Pentagon and was assigned to the Army Quartermasters, a job she held for 6 months.  She entered the University of ND in February, 1946 and graduated with a degree in education in 1949.  She worked at the Wall Drug Store in SD during the summer before teaching business for one year in Hoffman, MN. 

On June 10, 1950 she married the love of her life, Wm. Monty Strehlow, a marriage that lasted 57 years until his death in 2007.  She was a devoted mother to their four children while also working as the secretary in Monty’s Casselton, ND law practice.  They worked side by side in the office for 52 years until they retired in 2002.  Joyce was involved in her children’s activities and was a member of the Cassettes Homemakers Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Casselton Moravian Ladies Aid.  She spent many hours refinishing antique furniture, turning old painted pieces into something beautiful and useful. 

After retiring, Joyce and Monty moved to their MN home on Ottertail Lake.  They loved spending time with their children and spouses, and 3 grandsons.  Joyce often said, “My family is my life”.  She had a special love for the lake, a place where she found total peace and relaxation in the outdoors.  Even in her nineties, Joyce continued to be active, energetic, willing to help, and always happy to entertain.  She enjoyed the challenge of doing anything for the first time.  She took great pleasure in art classes and water color painting.  Her positive attitude brought joy and laughter to every conversation.  

Joyce is survived by her children, Wm. Craig (Marcia) Strehlow, Fargo; Colette (Tim) Bryan, Bowbells, ND; Blake (Kathie) Strehlow, Fargo; Ryan (Carole) Strehlow, Santa Barbara, CA, her grandsons Mitchell (Arica) Strehlow, Collin (Heather) Strehlow, William Bryan, great grandsons Xander and Crosby, and sisters in law Renee Donnelly, Paradise Valley, AZ and Joann Strehlow, Fountain Hills, AZ. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Monty, sister Eddyth Smith, and brothers in law, Jack Strehlow, Keene Smith, and Jack Donnelly.  

A funeral service will be held at a later date in the Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND with interment in the Casselton Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to the Casselton Cemetery Association or the Perham MN Public Library.  

Arrangements entrusted to West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.    

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