Joyce Leintz

Joyce was born on March 25, 1929 in Anamoose ND. She was a farm girl. Her character and lively spirit were molded through her religious upbringing, hard work, and her uplifting drive that she carried throughout her life. Mom often talked about her childhood. She milked cows very early in the morning before she walked uphill to her one room school house. She talked about her parent's sweetness and their guidance and passed that on to her family throughout her life. Judy, mom's older sister, died on her 10th birthday. This was a pillar of her young life as she committed herself to always helping her siblings and growing into such a giving and committed adult. Mom bragged about her generation. She was very proud that she was born into years of pride in values and unassuming wealth. Looking back, she would say, "we really had nothing, and yet, we really had it all."

Joyce Kessler graduated from nurses training in 1951. Mom was an "old school registered nurse." She worked very hard and always sustained her core training. She never took her education for granted. What really made mom such a great nurse, however, was her deep empathy and her ability to connect to her patients.

Mom became a stewardess for TWA in 1952. She would say, " I left on a prayer and somehow found the courage to follow my dreams. She was always thankful for her opportunities in life. She always knew that God was there directing her life.

Joyce got married to her high school sweetheart on July 18, 1954. She said that Marvin was a city boy and she was a farm girl. Dad's city of Lincoln Valley, ND had a whopping population of about 150 people. Mom was always happy that dad was never corrupted by the big city atmosphere. They had a great life together. Before Marvin died in May of 2011, mom would always say to him, 'we had quite a run".

Joyce spent her last four years at Emeritus in Green Mountain. She was loved and her faith shined. She was a friend, and a witness to both the residents and the staff.

Joyce Leintz touched the hearts of so many people throughout her 86 years on earth. She was an inspiration to many people. She loved life. Her greatest connection and influence lives through her family. Joyce has three children. Vicki, Mark, and Steven were blessed to have Joyce as their mother. She instilled into her children both law and gospel. She was a motivator through grounded compassion. She was a great and giving mom at every phase of our lives. She also had a special bond to her children's spouses.

Joyce also so very much loved all of her grandchildren. Beverley, Steph, Chris, Joseph, John, and Brandon are a living testament to her commitment to family through Jesus Christ. She knew what values are important within a family and her love was far reaching. She was a fun and committed grandma. Every one of her grandchildren have great memories of their time with grandma. Joyce also took such pride in her great grandson Sage. She was also able to meet her two new great grandchildren this August. Mom loved watching Logan and Claire Joy play. She often talked about her great grandchildren. Joyce is in heaven now but will always live in and through her family. Her influence lives on forever.

Thank you Jesus for your gift to us in Joyce. Mom, we love you and we also thank you for everything. Thank you for our spiritual upbringing. Thank you for your compassion and dedication to family. Thank you for being such a great mom and grandma.

See you and dad in heaven!!!


Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2100 N. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood CO 80214.

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