Joyce (Gessele) Gulseth

Joyce (Gessele) Gulseth, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don, and her parents, Ted and Alvira Gessele. She is survived by her brother, James; son, Matthew; daughter, Leah (Leonard) Traxler; and grandson, Teddy Traxler.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. A celebration of her life will follow at Elsie’s in Minneapolis at approximately 12:45 PM. Burial will take place at Lakewood cemetery in Minneapolis on Monday, March 31st at 10:30 am.

To help us plan for the gathering, please send a message to joycegulsethmemories@gmail.com if you think you will attend. Come early, stay late—just as Joyce would.

A Life of Love, Laughter, and Service

Joyce was a near-perfect wife, mother, friend, neighbor, and coworker. A natural caretaker, she brought warmth, joy, and kindness to everyone she met. She was patient, welcoming, witty, genuine, loyal, and deeply compassionate. Joyce had an uncanny ability to sense when someone needed support, and she always showed up with an open heart.

She took great pride in never sending a text message in the digital age—she preferred real conversations, real laughter, and real moments over virtual ones. Her radiant smile and infectious laugh reflected her gratitude for the life she was given.

Born in Mercer, North Dakota, in 1942, Joyce was raised in a loving German immigrant household, where idle hands were considered "the work of the devil." She thrived in any environment where work needed to be done. She learned to play the piano at a young age and served as a musician for Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mercer during high school.

She earned a degree in Journalism from the University of North Dakota in 1965, where she met the love of her life, Don. Joyce was active on campus, serving in many volunteer roles through her sorority, Delta Zeta. She also founded the UND chapter of Theta Sigma Phi, an honorary society for women in journalism.

A Life of Adventure and Community

From 1965 to 1969, Joyce and Don embarked on an exciting journey, living in five different cities and eight different homes while Don pursued a professional football career. They eventually settled in Williston, ND (1971), Minot, ND (1975), Brooklyn Park, MN (1978), and finally, Downtown Minneapolis in 1997.

Through every move, Joyce effortlessly created a warm, loving home. She had a gift for making lifelong friends wherever she went, and her home was always open to guests. The ultimate host, she was ready with a meal, a laugh, and a welcoming spirit.

In 1990, Joyce began working for the City of Brooklyn Center, serving in various roles in the public works department. Her exceptional communication skills and dedication made her a valued and respected colleague. She retired in 2007.

In addition to her career, Joyce dedicated herself to caring for her loved ones. She was a full-time caretaker for her mother from 1997 to 2004 and for her husband from 2009 to 2011. Through it all, she remained positive, uplifting, and full of grace. After Don’s passing in 2011, she devoted her time to volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, serving quietly but wholeheartedly.

Joyce had a passion for gardening, music, art, and football—she would watch any game, anytime. She also loved her early morning walks over the Stone Arch Bridge, where she greeted neighbors with a smile. But above all, her greatest joy was watching her only grandson, Teddy, grow and being part of his life.

A Graceful Journey

During the last seven years of her life, Joyce faced the challenges of dementia with dignity and grace. Even as the disease progressed, her joyful personality continued to shine. She remained active, attending gatherings and finding happiness in the presence of friends, family, and especially children. Nothing lit up her face more than the sight of babies and young children.

Her final departure from this earth was peaceful, reflecting the love and light she shared throughout her life.

Honoring Joyce

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity or put a smile on a stranger’s face every day for a week—Joyce would have loved that.

If you knew Joyce and feel that we missed something in this obituary, please send a note, picture, or memory to joycegulsethmemories@gmail.com. She would have appreciated the editorial support.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joyce (Gessele) Gulseth, please visit our Tree Store.