Joyce Mormann

Joyce Mormann, formerly of Judson and New Salem, passed away September 4, 2024, at her villa in Largo FL. A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, November 15th at 11a.m. CST at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan with the Rev. Mark Narum officiating. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service. Inurnment will be 2:00p.m. at Zion Cemetery, New Salem. 

Joyce was born November 15, 1939 to Hubert and Mamie (Nickel) Loehrke. She was born and raised on the family farm south of Judson. She graduated from New Salem High School and attended Dickinson State Teacher's College where she obtained her teaching certificate. After graduation, Joyce taught school in the Spring Valley District.

She married Aloys Mormann in Glen Ullin on December 29, 1958. She taught two succeeding school years in St. Anthony and Glen Ullin rural schools and continued teaching in the classroom until the birth of her first son Douglas. This birth was followed closely by the arrival of Steven and Joe. Their early home was an airstream trailer, which allowed Joyce and the boys to travel with her then husband Aloys wherever the Loehrke Brothers Construction had road work – be it North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, or Nebraska. 

Later, as the boys grew, their home became established in Judson. During this time, Joyce had a garden, and the boys have fond memories of her bountiful harvest especially the garden special mix that was used in many dishes. Watching and helping their mom, all three boys became accomplished in the kitchen and many tasty meals and sweet treats have been prepared and eaten over the years. It was a family tradition to gather ice from the creek out back of their home to make homemade ice cream. The boys and their families continue to enjoy this tradition of cranking ice cream at the holidays.

While living in Judson, Joyce enjoyed the Judson's homemakers, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and visiting with family and friends. Joyce worked several years as a cook at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem. Residents often told her “you're a great cook.” Joyce relocated to Florida in the late 1980s and spent the last 35 years enjoying the warm, sunny weather. She held various jobs while in Florida before finding employment with Burdines (later known as Macys). Joyce started in the stock room and eventually became a salesperson in The Burdines Home Gallery specializing in high-end lamps and rugs. She often had repeat customers as they designed and decorated their multiple residences. Burdines was the Florida store - palm trees, dolphins, sunshine, and tropical colors. Joyce truly embraced the mindset that these things make Florida a place like no other. She used her ability to share stories of growing up in North Dakota to relate to her customers and multiple times she was recognized as the top salesperson in her region at company gatherings in Miami. She enjoyed the Lenox table lamp and Egyptian hand-knotted wool rug that she won in sales competitions for many years. 

Joyce loved anything Florida and enjoyed showing off her adopted state whenever you were down there for a visit. Joyce was also a fan of old western shows and when you called her on a Saturday morning you could hear the guns firing or theme music playing for Wagon Train, The Rifleman, and Gunsmoke. She loved watching and rewatching The Gene Autry Show and The Roy Roger Show. Watching Gene Autry brought back fond childhood memories of seeing him at the Mandan Rodeo with her family. 

Joyce is survived by her three sons and two daughters-in-law, Douglas and Susan, Bismarck, Steven and Cindy, Lincoln, Joseph (Malissa Pulkrabek), Bismarck; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Cody Mormann (Emily Bergeson), Mandan, and their son Oliver, Joshua (Christal) Mormann, Sahuarita (AZ), and Ashley (Jace) Helmers, Kenmare and their son Yatsin and daughter Luella Rae; one sister, JoAnn Arney, Mesquite NV; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; an infant brother, Glen; a brother and sister-in-law James and Jean Loehrke, brother and sister-in-law Grant and Donna Loehrke, brother and sister-in-law Dale "Jack" and Lydia Loehrke; one brother-in-law Jim Arney; special friend Earl Kinlaw; and former husband and father of her children, Aloys Mormann.

 The next time you are back in the saddle or see tumbling tumbleweeds, think of our mom Joyce.