Joyce Mae Bemboom

On Thursday, August 11, 2022, Joyce Bemboom, loving wife and mother, peacefully passed away at the age of 69.

Joyce was born on November 9, 1952 in St.Cloud, MN to James and Lorraine (Roos) Kedrowski. Joyce grew up in Sartell, MN. On August 5, 1972 she married Richard Bemboom. They started their family in Popple Creek, MN, moved to a farm in Gilman, MN for several years, and later settled in Milaca, MN.

Joyce loved her family. She supported them in any and all of their pursuits. Always protecting and providing for her children and grandchildren, she made a home where everyone was always welcome and never judged. Family members, friends, and many others were known to stop in at any time and enjoy a home cooked meal. The highlight of her year was hosting Thanksgiving dinner, and making some of her signature dishes, including her sweet potatoes and dressing. Other favorite dishes of hers were bean soup and homemade bread.

Above all else, Joyce loved her husband Rich and was proud they were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He was the love of her life. She said she knew she would marry him from the first time she saw him at Claude’s Cafe.

Joyce adored animals of all varieties, but especially her pet dogs. She had a special affinity for birds, but cardinals were her favorite. Joyce was known to feed deer, turkeys, and stray cats in her yard. She preferred being outdoors and doing chores in the early morning to feed the horses, chickens, and pigeons. Joyce enjoyed cutting grass because it gave her time to think.

Joyce’s lifelong vocation was childcare. Her maternal instinct was in a league of its own. She spent nearly 40 years providing daycare for families in Milaca, and she was very proud to have done daycare for her own grandchildren. She had so much love for children, that even the daycare kids who were not related referred to her lovingly as “Grandma.”

Never one for much travel, home was Joyce’s favorite place in the world. She filled it with a comforting warmth that never faded. Joyce will be remembered for her kind, loving heart and strong will.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents,  two sisters, one brother, and her mother and father in-law, Rita and Ray Bemboom. She is survived by her husband, Rich; children, Jamie (Judy) of Brennyville, MN, De Etta (Brian) Larson of Garfield, MN, Amy (Jason) Horrigan of Oak Park, MN, Travis (April) of Foreston, MN and Kyle (Tracy) of Pease, MN; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; four sisters and two brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at the Stones Throw Golf Course in Milaca on September 18 from 1-4pm.