Joyce Ann Vogt

Joyce was born September 27th, 1935, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the second child of William and Jenabel, and younger sister of Carol. Joyce’s long, fulfilling life began on her grandparent’s farm in rural North Dakota outside the town of Hazelton. Growing up in the shadow of the Dust Bowl, Joyce learned the kind of farm kid grit that would serve her well in her adulthood, along with a love for animals, especially horses, which she and her sister would ride into town.

Joyce graduated at age seventeen from Hazelton High School. After some college, Joyce started an exciting career adventure, which would take her all the way to the nation’s capital. She patriotically served at the Departments of Navy, Army and Agriculture. Among her many accomplishments, she played an important role in acquiring the software that supported our armed forces in Operation Desert Shield.

In 1985, Joyce married Guy Vogt. They were inseparable from each other and often would be spotted in matching outfits around the holidays. They made a beautiful home together that they shared with a series of nearly identical white Spitz’s, all named Boo.

In 1994, she and Guy moved back up to the Midwest and settled in the Twin Cities. She worked for a few years at the Public Utilities Commission. Afterwards, she served as a legislative assistant at the Minnesota House, and lent critical support for lawmakers passing bills for the benefit of the people of Minnesota.

Joyce’s well-deserved retirement came in 2012, which gave her even more opportunities for some of her favorite pastimes. She loved playing cards (especially Pinochle), decorating, baking cookies, golf, bowling, dancing and traveling. She appreciated the companionship of animals, especially dogs and horses. Her house was host to many gorgeous and enjoyable dinner parties for friends and family. Joyce loved the holidays, especially Christmas, every year decorating her dedicated “Christmas room” and buying very thoughtful presents for her loved ones.

Joyce was kind, gentle, and caring. She appreciated the beauty and goodness in everything she saw and experienced. She was very outgoing, and loved being with family, friends and neighbors for talking, food and fun. She was very generous with her time and talents, always being willing to give those around her a helping hand. Joyce lived with a deep, abiding love, faith and devotion to God, her country, family, and friends. Also, she truly appreciated those in service to this country and its people. Most of all, Joyce just loved people.

Joyce was preceded in passing by her mother, Jenabel Schott, her father, William Kastner, her stepfather, Peter Engebretson, and her sister, Carol Christianson, her niece, Karen, and her two dogs, Boo I and Boo II. Joyce is survived by her husband Guy, her daughter Peggy George (Clayton), her step-children, Tom Lewis (Kathy), James Lewis, Jean Hines (Ward), and Connie Batson (Bret), her nephews, Keith Christianson (Sandy) and Kevin Christianson (Sandy), great-nieces and nephews, Westie (Matt), Nealie (Ian), Shelly, Beth (Tanner), Joe, Alex (Johanna), Sam, and Tom, along with ten great-grand-nieces and nephews, and her dog, Boo III.

Service will be held on Monday, September 26th, at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Rd. Visitation starts at 10:00, followed by the service at 11:00. Internment will be at 12:30 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Luncheon will be served afterward back at the church.