Joyce Elizabeth Ulmer

Joyce was born to Harley and Ruby Cotten on the family farm in Fullerton, North Dakota on June 13, 1937. She was the oldest of 5 children. She attended grade school in Oakes and graduated from Fullerton, North Dakota. She married Alvin Ulmer on June 13,1955 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale, North Dakota. They lived on a farm in Guelph, North Dakota until they moved to the Heim Farm in Edgeley, North Dakota in October of 1961. Joyce resided on the Edgeley farm until 1989 when she moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Joyce has had many jobs including being the local Avon lady in Edgeley, nursing assistant at the Ellendale Nursing Center, Perkins baker and assistant manager in Anoka, Minnesota, receptionist at Counselor Realty in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, receptionist at a title company in Brooklyn Center, and a few other jobs through the workforce program. She liked spending her time in her flower garden, volunteering for bingo, hanging out at the casino, and doing work with the local fire and police department.

Preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Ruby Cotten, grandsons, Joel and Jared Michelson.

Survived by her children, Albert (Linda) Ulmer, Elizabeth (Curt) Miller, Harley (Barbara) Ulmer, Donna (Steve) Helget, Scott (Kathy) Ulmer, Paul Ulmer, June (Todd) Ham, Maurus (Nichole-Fiancée) Ulmer, Suzanne (Robert) Marrone; 10 grandchildren, Samantha, Michael, Matthew, Jessica, Justin, Hailie, Piper, Caden, Allison, and Cassandra; 8 step grandchildren, Paul, Angela H, Julie, Jamie, Joshua, Amy, Jeremy, and Angela M; 3 great grandchildren, Joanna, Adeline, and Sean; 5 step great grandchildren, Gage, Olivia, Danielle, Brielle, and Cami; 3 sisters, Florence Mitzel, Mary Andres, Shirley (Russ) Goble, and 1 brother, Gary Cotten; Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service will be Friday May 12, 2017 from 1pm to 4 pm for gathering, respects, and sharing at Gearhart Funeral Home in Coon Rapids. 763-755-6300.

Joyce will forever be missed and loved by her family and friends. May she rest in peace until we all meet again. May she be dancing in God's gardens and singing with the angels. We love you.