Joyce Evelyn Willman Johnsen

Joyce was born on March 8, 1927 in Almont, North Dakota to Martin and Tilda (Jacobson) Willman. She had 10 siblings and together the family had a farm with many wheat fields. During her years in High School she played on the basketball team, even serving as Captain. Joyce was a 1945 graduate from Almont High School.

In 1946 Joyce moved to Portland, Oregon to join her oldest sister, Grace. Shortly after moving she met her beloved husband Sven at a dance. They were married on October 19, 1946 at Grace’s house. Together they enjoyed going to the Crystal Ballroom and Norse Hall.

They welcomed boys, Craig in 1951 and Brian in 1955. The family would travel back to North Dakota to visit family, Disneyland, and Yellowstone. Joyce was a very talented seamstress and made some of her children’s clothing. She worked as a Seamstress for 11 years at the Jantzen Knitting Mill. She also made bridesmaids dresses and was very resourceful, once utilizing Brian as a mannequin! Joyce was also a master gardener, with beautiful flowers and plants throughout their large yard in Milwaukie.

Joyce was a devoted member of Milwaukie Lutheran Church. She enjoyed league bowling with Sven, growing raspberries, baking delicious pies and canning jam. Joyce dreamt of becoming a piano player or dancer, and although those didn’t become a reality she did learn to play the accordion.

Joyce and Sven enjoyed many trips during their retirement, some of the highlights being to Norway several times and Hawaii. Joyce was a loving Grandmother and helped raise both Ryan and Robin, her first grandchildren, through their early years. She always cherished her time with all her grandchildren, and recently, her great grandchildren Chloe and Everett. Joyce also enjoyed watching her youngest grandchildren Haley and Dane pursue their musical endeavors.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband; Sven, siblings Elmer, Oscar, Eddie, Ralph, and Grace (Thor); She is survived by sisters Lillian (Schneider), Margaret (Thor), Ruth (Olin), and Audrey (Bethke).

She will be dearly missed by her children; Craig Johnsen, Brian Johnsen, spouses Bonnie (Benish) and Diane (Beard), grandchildren Ryan, Robin (Eric) Hakeman, Haley and Dane, great grandchildren Chloe and Everett (Hakeman), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21st, at 2:00 p.m. at Milwaukie Lutheran Church, 3810 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222.

Contributions in Joyce’s Memory may be made to Milwaukie Lutheran Church.