Joy Berthelsen, 89,, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
Joy's story began in 1931, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Joy held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
Joy Berthelsen, 89 of Parker, passed away on March 21, 2020 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater. Private Family Services were held at Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home in Parker. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Veva Joy Berthelsen was born on January 13,1931 at Parker, SD, to Ray and Laura (Finn) Bousfield. Joy grew up in Parker and graduated from Parker High School in 1948. She married the love of her life, Howard Berthelsen, on June 11, 1950. After spending two years together at Fort Lewis in Washington while Howard served during the Korean War, the couple returned home to farm southwest of Parker. They spent their entire lives working alongside each other on the farm and raising their son and daughter. As well as being a farmwife and loving mother, Joy was always one to lend a helping hand or a warm meal to anyone in need. She was kind, generous, cheerful and loving, especially to her grandchildren whenever she was called upon to care for them. Days with grandma were always special. She taught many lessons, but mostly how to love with all your heart. Always accepting of life's circumstances, one would hear her say, "….and that's ok too." Joy was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Grateful for having shared her life are her 2 children, Allan (Robin) Berthelsen, Parker and Kathy (Doug) Meyer, Lennox; 6 grandchildren, Josh (Brenda) Berthelsen, Jaime (Mike) Bartell, Zach (Jen) Meyer, Alaina Meyer, Audra (Tyler) Panek, and Mason Meyer; and 9 great grandchildren, Madilyn, Mykah, Tobin, Victoria, Alexander, Connor, Rebecca, Teagyn, and Paige; and sisters Elaine (Bill) Gortmaker, Columbia, MO., and Connie (Bob) Havard, Albany, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents, brother James "Bud" (Margaret) Bousfield, sisters Esther (Marlyn) Sisson and Vivian (Marvin) Hopf.
