Joyce Ann Ertelt

January 11, 1954 - March 27, 2015

Joyce Ann (Clauson) Ertelt died peacefully at her home on March 27, 2015 in her home surrounded by family. “At some point the cancer may decide it wants to take over my body and destroy it in the process. However, my soul is not done with it yet, so the cancer will have to share. And for that I am grateful.” Joyce Ertelt, 2012 No Lumps, Thank you. Joyce was diagnosed with stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer in April 2007. She faced her cancer experience with courage and wisdom and inspired so many of us. A friend wrote to her saying, “Bless you for doing and inspiring others to keep doing things even though your body may have told you to slow down. You have been a symbol to show us all that it can be done.” Joyce was a garden and vineyard enthusiast. She loved the outdoors, animals and warm fires. Joyce married Mark Ertelt on June 1, 1974 and have two daughters, Emily and Melissa. She was a vibrant and beloved member of communities in Kathryn, ND and in the Twin Cities of MN. Joyce requested her body be donated to the University of Minnesota for research. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be a chance to celebrate and honor Joyce’s life and accomplishments. Joyce is preceded in death by her grandparents, father Elmer, sister MarJean, brother’s Myron, Donny and Kenneth. She is survived by her husband Mark, daughter’s Emily Ertelt, Melissa (Aaron) Schmidt, beloved grandsons Aiden, Maxwell, and Blake Schmidt, Mother Myrtis, Sister Janette (Harlan) Hanson, and many nieces and nephews. In her own words she said, “Today’s cancer survivors are receiving the benefits of yesterday’s research. I hope my cancer journey will be of value to someone in the future. My cancer journey is still in progress and will be until the day I die.” Joyce received exceptional care from her oncologists, Dr. Sherman at Frauenshuh Cancer Center in Minnesota and Dr. Snow at Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo. We were blessed to have two exceptional hospice agencies – North Memorial Hospice and Hospice of the Red River Valley – supporting her and family through her final three months. Joyce has requested memorials be made in her honor to the Kathryn Booster Club to support the annual holiday dinner show, a legacy she leaves to a place she loved dearly. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, ND. An online guestbook for Joyce is available at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com