Francis Gerald Joyce

To watch a live stream of the service please use the link: https://www.facebook.com/holyfamilygf/ 

Gerry Joyce, 101, passed away on December 31, 2025, in Grand Forks, ND.

Gerry was born on a farm near Graettinger, IA, on February 9th, 1924, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Rafferty) Joyce. After graduating from high school in 1941, he attended Emmetsburg Junior College. He began his career with J.C. Penney Co. in Emmetsburg, IA, at the age of 18. After serving in the Army Coast Artillery for three years during WWII, Gerry was transferred within J.C. Penney Co. to Fremont, NE, where he met the love of his life, Mary Robinson, on a blind date set up by Mary’s brother Paul. Gerry and Mary were married two and a half years later on June 2, 1952, and celebrated 73 years of marriage last summer.

Gerry continued his career with the J.C. Penney Co. and was promoted to store manager in Miller, SD, followed by moves with J.C. Penney to Montevideo, MN, Jamestown, ND, and Grand Forks, ND. He retired in 1984 after 42 years with the company. Gerry and Mary enjoyed their years of retirement with family, volunteer work, travel, golf, and winters in Arizona. Led by Gerry’s love of writing and his Irish heritage, he and Mary compiled a Joyce Genealogy that included many narrative stories.

Gerry was an active leader and member in many service organizations throughout his life, including SCORE, Kiwanis, City Council, Holy Family Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and many other organizations. He will be remembered for giving generously of his time, talent, and resources to his community.

Gerry always had a positive outlook and delighted in talking with others about his life experiences and all the blessings in his life, including being 101 years young! He inspired many by being grateful for life’s blessings, creating family memories, giving back to the community, and having a strong faith in God to get through the tough times in life.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth; brothers Leo (Irene) Joyce, Bill (Florence) Joyce, Bob Joyce, and Don Joyce; his sister Jean (Maurice) Satern; and his sons Michael Joyce and John Joyce. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children Karen (Steven) Kling, Sharon (Chuck) Vanyo, Richard Joyce, Kathryn (Dan) Berger, and daughter-in-law Susan (Michael) Joyce; 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Kathy (Don) Joyce, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, January 6th, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. All are welcome to join the family in praying the rosary at 9:30am before the visitation.

**In lieu of flowers, memorial donation can be made in Gerry's name to a charity of your choosing.