Joyce Laverne Walczak

Joyce Laverne Walczak (Zieseman), age 87, of St. Paul Park, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Joyce will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend to many. Her warmth, strength, generosity, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. Joyce dedicated her life to her loved ones, always ready to offer a listening ear or helping hand at any hour.

Born on July 11, 1938, in Moline, IL, to Laverne Roesner and Orville Zieseman, Joyce experienced early family changes, with her mother later marrying Zane Bellcour in 1949. After graduating from high school in Detroit Lakes, MN, Joyce moved to St. Paul, MN, to attend college, and began her career at the Minnesota State Capitol. There she met her husband, James Robert Walczak, whom she married on September 24, 1960. Together, they raised two children, Joseph and Janel, and in 1963 built their forever home in St. Paul Park, where Joyce was a devoted homemaker while her children were young.

As her children grew older, Joyce worked as a head cashier at Target, a Title I teacher’s aide, and later retired from Fortis, where she formed a special bond with Sue Glassbrenner, whom she considered a bonus daughter. Joyce cherished annual vacations in Detroit Lakes with the Martins, Stubers, Groves families, and many other extended relatives and friends.

Years after her husband’s passing, Joyce reconnected with her old beau Ed Ziemann from her hometown, and joyfully embraced his family—Jody, Tim, Jamie, and Dave—as her own. Together, they continued her love of travel, visiting numerous states and spending time with family and friends.

Joyce had a remarkable green thumb and could make anything flourish in the garden. She was an enthusiastic baker—famous for her chocolate chip cookies—and enjoyed trips to the casino with Sue. Her creativity shone through her sewing, crafts, and the colorful crocheted potholders she generously gifted to others.

Her vibrant spirit and caring heart will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim, on September 2, 1982.

Joyce is survived by her son Joe (Kathy) Walczak; grandchildren Jon Walczak and Kayla (Aaron) Carty; great grandchildren Blake Walczak, Landon Walczak, Kennedy Carty and Bennett Carty; her daughter Janel (Scott) Schmidt; grandchildren Amber Ebersold and Tyler Ebersold; great granddaughter Maliya Ebersold. She is preceded in death by her father Orville Zieseman; mother Laverne Bellcour and stepfather Zane Bellcour.

Memorial service will be at 1 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 with an hour visitation prior to, beginning at noon at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S.; Cottage Grove, Minnesota. All are welcome to join the family for desserts and refreshments following the service.

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