JOYCE HARTJEN

Orva Joyce Hartjen, age 78, of Barstow, CA., died at Barstow Community Hospital on Friday, June 3, 2011, of natural causes. She was born on May 24, 1933 in Mountain Lake, Minnesota to the late Harlow A. and Edith Osteboe. On June 28, 1951 she married Richard J. Hartjen. Joyce and Richard moved to Barstow in October of 1962. During her life in Barstow, Joyce worked for the BUSD, The Happy Wander Travel Agency and Adventures in Travel as a Travel Agent. Joyce touched many lives in Barstow, while Teaching Sunday School for Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church. She and Richard were sponsors for the Youth Group for a time as well. Joyce was a leader in the Scouting community when she and Richard, formed a co-ed Explorer Post in 1970. Several of our local young men and women were guided by her wisdom and understanding over the years. She continued her fellowship, in Shepherd of the Desert, by being Grandma Joyce to youth who needed a listening ear and some guidance through prayer. Joyce Hartjen is survived by her Husband of 60 years, Richard; Her two Sons, Richard Jr. and his wife, Susan, Kevin and his wife, Dorothy; her six grandchildren, Larry and wife, Sarah, Tony and wife, Jeannie, Amanda and husband, Herbert, Jaydee, Adam and wife, Donna, Abigail; and several nieces, nephews; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Harlow B. Osteboe and wife, Carol of Wisconsin; and a sister, Phoebe, who preceded her in death. A Memorial Service will be held at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Rd., Barstow, CA., on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. Reverend Emile Bush will officiate. Following the service at Meads there will be a Celebration of Life reception at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church located at 1301 East Mt. View. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Scouting and Youth Ministries of the Church. Please mark the lower left corner of the check SCOUTS or BLEST for the Youth ministries. Donations can be mailed to Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, 1301 East Mt. View, Barstow, CA. 92311.