Joyce Schultz

Joyce Schultz, age 90, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Avantara – Milbank Nursing Home.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Rev. Zachary Voss will officiate the service and inurnment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville at a later date. 

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Joyce Elaine (Dahlgren) Schultz was born on September 21, 1933, in Grant County, SD, to Julius and Marie (Peterson) Dahlgren. She graduated from Strandburg High School in 1951. Joyce embarked on a brief career as a teacher, sharing her passion for knowledge with her students for six months before devoting her energy to her growing family.

On September 13, 1952, Joyce was united in marriage with Richard Schultz and together, they made their home in Watertown, SD. Joyce and Richard moved to Ortonville, MN, where Joyce lived in the same house for 65 years.

Throughout her life, Joyce exemplified dedication and determination. She raised her children, instilling core values of love, compassion, and resilience in each of them. She embraced the role of a nurturing mother with unwavering dedication.

In the 1970’s, Joyce pursued her entrepreneurial spirit, opening a successful fabric store that became a pillar of the local community called “The Yard Stick”. For over two decades, she served as the owner and operator, delighting customers with her keen eye for quality textiles and her warm presence. Joyce's business was a hub for creativity, drawing in enthusiastic crafters and providing them with an endless array of supplies and inspiration.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Joyce was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She found joy and companionship in the church's quilting club, where she pursued her passion for quilting with fellow artisans and was a pivotal member of the Trinity Helping Hands group. Beyond her dedication to her faith, Joyce whole-heartedly embraced her hobbies, spending countless hours sewing intricate quilts, baking delicious treats, and creating beautiful flower gardens that brought color and life to her surroundings.

Joyce was also an adventurist at heart, finding solace in exploring the world. Her love for travel took her to many fascinating destinations, providing her with memorable experiences. In addition to her travelling adventures, Joyce enjoyed playing Pinochle and Bridge, engaging in friendly competition, and creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Left to cherish Joyce’s memory are her daughters: Valerie Schultz (David Cooley) and Nancy (Steve) Linder; nine grandchildren: Tim Schultz, Justin Schultz, Kayla (Chavis) Neptune, Nicole (JT) Doering, Heather (Brian) Gradisek, Shelby (Hunter) Sager, Josh Schultz, Dan (Nicole) Cooley, and Jesse Cooley (Clare Lindley); 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Audrey Ehnes; daughters-in-law: Barb Schultz, Shannon Klocke, and Cindy Lowry; along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; sons: Mark Schultz, John Schultz, and Paul Schultz; three brothers; and one sister.