Obituary: Joyce Elaine Hegstrom

Joyce Elaine Hegstrom (Harrington) of Boca Grande passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. She passed away peacefully with her husband, Bob, by her side.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, Minn. There will be a service at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, Minn. at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. A reception will follow at the Lafayette Club in Minnesota.
Joyce was born August 11, 1944 in Watertown, South Dakota to Les and Pauline Harrington. She graduated from Watertown High School with the class of 1962. She then went on to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. She studied nursing and graduated with her RN degree in 1966. She had a lifelong affinity for her alma mater: She loved the music, the campus and all things Swedish.
On June 29, 1966 she married Robert (Bob) Hegstrom at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, South Dakota. They met during their time together at Watertown High School. Bob was a pilot in the Navy, and they were stationed both in California and Mississippi. They eventually settled in Minneapolis, where they raised two children and lived for the next 45 years.
In her twenties Joyce was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Throughout her adult life she faced countless physical challenges and setbacks. However, she met each obstacle with grace and courage. She serves as an inspiration to all who knew her.
She was a member of Mount Calvary, where she was active with Bible Study and Stephen Ministry. She was an avid reader, and she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was a faithful member of both the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Robert Hegstrom; her daughter, Julie (Brian) Shellhorn of Denver, Colo.; and her son, Erik (Marjorie) Hegstrom of Minneapolis, Minn.; four grandsons, Will, Henry, Ernie and Arthur; and her sister, Jean Jenson of Minneapolis.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either the Arthritis Foundation or Gustavus Adolphus College.