Donald G. Joyce Sr.

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I first met Don while bartending at The Country Lounge in White Bear many years ago. I remember that he used to drink his beer out of the pitcher! He was a fun and friendly man and everyone liked to be around him.

I also remember running into Don many times at Mancinis and especially during St Patricks Day! He loved St Pattys Day. I would always see him with his wife. He was a great Irishman!

Only last summer, I had the good fortune of running into Don one last time at our mutual doctors office - he looked great and shared some laughs. My daughter, Lisa was with me and was admiring Dons superbowl ring!

My thoughts and prayers are with Sherri his lovely wife and Dons children. May the good memories bring you comfort.

Don "Catfish" Andrews
Maplewood, MN

Sherri and Don, Coach I Feel sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Sherri and Don,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you and your family.

Sherri ~
May God hold you ever so close, comforting you with His love as you walk the path of life without your dear husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lovingly,
Jean Meloy
HP Condo #208

My heart goes out to Sharon and her family. Don was a wonderful man and will be missed.

I haven't seen Don for many years but he leave us all with memories that will last a lifetime. His Colt teammate, Art Donovan's favorite tale, in his book "Fatso" recounts the story of Don winning the team fried chicken eating contest, downing 38 pieces AND the mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits, a never to be broken record feat (he could finish a good plate of Vinny Guarnera's spaghetti too). I remember playing flag football, Sunday afternoons with Don and Micky Keating, of the old St. Paul Hockey Saints, on the Mahtomedi High School field, shortly after his moving to town. They would warm up with a 100 yard dash. The race was on, the ground would rumble, the chalk lines moved an inch or so and Don would win more times than he lost. He was a gentle giant and will be missed by his family and friends. The many memories of a life well lived will sustain his family at this difficult time.

Sherri and Don Jr., My family and I have alot of very positive memories of Don. Dad sold Don his home in Mahtomedi when he joined the Vikings, and they were fast friends ever since. Don made a point of stopping by every New Year's day to watch college football, eat some shrimp and enjoy some beer. Great memories of a great man.

my cousin Don Joyce will be remembered as a great man, Vikings player and scout, and a good husband to my cousin Sharon, and father to Carrin. I will always remember his funny stories and humor at family gatherings with Uncle Art and Aunt Ora...my son John could not believe how big his Superbowl ring was, awesome to a small kid at the time...rest in peace and hold on to that football in heaven...we will all miss you..

the other day at work a co-worker reading the sports pages of the Mpls. star and tribune told me a ex viking had passed away,I said who, then he said I wouldn't remember who it was. I said try me. He said Don Joyce. I replied -He was a football coach at De La Salle high school, when they were ranked -National-.I'll never forget Art Donavans stories on national TV about Mr. Joyce's eating competinions "that it sounds Don Always won" I'm a graduate from de la salle -1974-. Never met coach Joyce,but it just seemed his SPIRIT was at DE when I went there and it always will be. my prayers and sympathys go to the Joyce family.. and a huge thank you to GOD for sharing Coach Joyce to football...JMJ...

Mr Joyce was my Phys Ed teacher at DeLaSalle, a prince of a guy, I have not forgotten his patience and kindness with us 90 pound weaklings who had no athletic talent! True Role Model!
Preston Crews Mpls

Dear Sherri and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Big Don will be missed by the entire NFL and the scouting profession. He was a real man and had a heart of gold and I am honored to have called him a friend. I hope that you and your family remember only the many good times with Don and he is also in our prayers...Love from joe and rose....

Dear Carrin and Taylor, We would like to send our sympathy to you in the loss of your dad and grandfather. He certainly sounds like and outstanding man! Do remember all the wonderful times you had with him. Please extend our sympathy to the rest of your family.
LOVE AND GOD BLESS,
KATHY AND DICK COLLINS

I played football for Don ("Mr. Joyce") at DeLaSalle High School in 1966 and 1967. For me he is one of those coaches and teachers I will never forget. I remember being very intimidated by his size and reputation when I first met him but as I got to know him better I realized he was a smart, caring and humorous man with an endless supply of great stories. Among all his quotes the one I will always remember is "I was a sophomore in college before I realized there were some people who didn't like football practice." My sympathy to Don's family. He was an unforgetable guy.

Dear "Aunt" Sherri, I am devastated to hear the news about my beloved "Uncle" Don. Don was one of my Dad's best friends, we all loved him so much. We love you so much too.

I can remember it like it was yesterday for my Mom and Dad's 25th Wedding anniversary and all the Cajun shrimp and shellfish you guys arranged to be sent to Pompano....and Uncle Don eating shrimp and drinking beer, eating more shrimp, etc. For a big man, he sure did eat delicately!!

And, when I was a little girl, he and Dad were in Skokie, IL. on a scouting assignment, and I was making Uncle Don cracker sandwiches with Cheez Whiz, stacked at least 6 inches high!!!! And, he would just pop them in his mouth! I was in awe!

Most recently, when you came over to visit and we went to the flea market. You, Mom and I were going from booth to booth...and Dad and Don sat at a table visiting and patiently waiting for us!

What wonderful memories...and I remember my Dad was so happy when Don and you got together, he thought the world of you.

We are here for you Sherri, whatever we can do, We love you and are keeping you and your family close in thought and prayers.

I have a feeling that Uncle Don and Ralph are up in heaven having such a great reunion.....one that will go on forever.

Always, amd with All our Love,

Jackie and Dorothy Kohl.

SHERRI DON WAS A LOYAL FRIEND I KNOW THEIR IS LITTLE I CAN DO OR SAY BUT I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOD BLESS FRED ZAMBERLETTI

I'll always remember sitting in Ficken's while he enthralled the football team with his stories..him on one side of the booth, and Carrin, Mom, and I on the other, basking in reflected glory. What a big man with an even bigger heart. Much love to everyone.