Obituary: Joyce Pranke

Joyce Pranke

New Rockford, N.D.

Joyce Pranke, 94, New Rockford, N.D. formerly of Bremen, N.D., passed away Sunday, August 28, 2022 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, N.D. Funeral Services were at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bremen, N.D. Pastor Jeff Halvorson officiated and burial was in the Germantown Baptist Cemetery, rural Cathay, N.D. Visitation was from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2022 at Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, N.D. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, N.D.

Joyce Strand was born June 18, 1928 near Minnewaukan, N.D. to Jens and Hilda (Halvorson) Strand. She attended Flora Elementary school and Benson County Agriculture and Training School in Maddock, N.D. graduating in 1946. She was confirmed at North Viking Lutheran Church in Maddock. After graduating from high school, she worked as a bookkeeper at Shotwell Ready to Wear in

Fargo.

On May 23, 1948, Joyce married Vernon Pranke at Stony Lake Lutheran Church, rural Minnewaukan. They lived on the Pranke family farm near Bremen. Vernon and Joyce raised four children and Joyce became involved in church and community activities. She was a Sunday School teacher, one of the church organists, and WELCA. She was a member of the Bremen Homemakers Club, Wells County Historical Society, Specialist Club, Frank Proisl American Legion Women's Auxiliary Post #33 in Fessenden. They moved to Fessenden in 1990 and she volunteered at the Thrift Store.

Joyce is survived by her children, Diane Nelson, Fessenden, N.D.; Sharon (Jim) Hass, Gilbert, Arizona; Daryl Pranke, Bremen, N.D., and Kevin (Jodie) Pranke, Bemidji, Minn.; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 65 years, Vernon, brother, Leslie Strand, and sister, Anna Bird.