Joyce Kathryn Basham (Woytasek), age 78, passed away peacefully August 22, 2025, of lung cancer surrounded by family at Saint Therese at St. Odilia in Shoreview, Minn.
Joyce was born in Minneapolis in 1947 to Rose (Jasper) and Edward Woytasek. She attended Vocational High School in Minneapolis and graduated in 1965. She held many office jobs throughout her life from secretary to credit manager, which she was very proud of. She married Rodney Basham in 1967 at Holy Cross Church in Minneapolis and had two children (Brian-1971 and Elysia-1982). She was a devout cat owner and had many kitties throughout her life. She loved spending time at the lake cabin with family and friends, watching her hummingbirds and wildlife, gardening and fishing. She enjoyed spending her free time painting china, playing cards with friends and spending time with family.
Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Jasper; father, Edward Woytasek; stepfather, Theodore Jasper; sister, Ann Marie Woytasek; brothers, John and Paul Woytasek; and mother-in-law, Jessie Helmbrecht.
She is survived by her husband, Rodney Basham; son, Brian Basham; daughter, Elysia Basham; and grandson, Caleb Ihla.
The family asks that donations be made in Joyce’s name to the Humane Society of Burnett County (Wis.) or to Saint Therese at St. Odilia Hospice in Shoreview, MN.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
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