Joyce Mortensen

Joyce LaVon (Glasco) Mortensen, 80, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at Kinder Care Assisted Living in West Fargo, ND, surrounded by her daughter, granddaughter, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and many of her loving caregivers.

Joyce was born on December 7, 1936, in El Dorado, KS, to Charles Eugene and LaVon (Tannahill) Glasco. She attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA. She also attended Drake University in Des Moines. Joyce was a legal secretary in different capacities but she devoted herself to her husband, children and grandchildren.

Joyce was united in marriage to Gerald "Gerry" Mortensen on April 6, 1957, in Des Moines. They made their home in Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota and retired for the winters in Florida. Together they raised three children, Laurie, Neil and Shelley.

Joyce and Gerry were avid travelers, traveling throughout the world. She also loved to bake, especially at Christmas time with her best friend, Joyce Hirning. Joyce had a servant's heart and opened her home to anyone that needed a family during the holidays. She enjoyed entertaining and taking her grandkids to the pool or beach. The grandkids' favorite memory of her is the many evenings in the hot tub watching movies and eating popcorn.

Joyce is survived by two children and their spouses, Neil (Kathy) Mortensen, Chesterfield, MI, and Shelley (Ned) Rector, Reiles Acres, ND; six grandchildren, Kristen, Kyle, Greg, Amanda (Matt Remund), Tessa and Evan; one great-granddaughter, Addison; and a brother, Gary (Andra) Glasco, Venus, TX.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, Gene and LaVon; husband, Gerry; daughter, Laurie; her favorite sister, Connie; and her brother, Bob.

Visitation will be from 10 AM to 11AM, with her funeral at 11 AM, Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. A light lunch will be served after the service. There will also be an informal graveside service in April in Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, IA, for those who wish to attend.