Joy C. Askeland

Joy Carol Askeland, 104, of North Mankato, MN, formerly of Holstein, IA died on November 17, 2024 in her home at Oak Terrance Asst Living in North Mankato, MN.

Joy was born on September 9, 1920 and grew up in Spirit Lake IA, the oldest of four children born to Leo and Susan Hedges. She met her husband, Clarence Askeland, at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park IA. They were united in marriage on July 4, 1942. While Clarence served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, Joy worked as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell in Spirit Lake. Together, they raised 5 children in Milford, Iowa, moving to Holstein, Iowa in 1966. Clarence died in 1978. Joy moved to Worthington in 2006, and to North Mankato in 2016 to be close to family.

Joy lived a full life as a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker. At the time of her death, she was a member of the St Paul Lutheran Church, Holstein IA and the Dessel-Schmidt Women’s Auxiliary in Holstein, IA. In her 104 years, she witnessed incredible changes to her world, asked questions and was able to remain educated on current events. Most of all, she loved her family and will be dearly missed forever in their hearts.

Joy is survived by her children, Donald Askeland of Mankato MN, James (Roseann) Askeland of Jonesboro AR and Wendy (John) Fell of Mankato MN, son-in-law Bruce Bohning, Worthington MN; grandchildren, Per Askeland, East Lansing MI, Erika (Chris) Ingalls, Jonesboro AR, Rachel (Wes) Klasky, Jonesboro AR, Ryan Singleton (Marisha), Jonesboro, AR, Jennifer (Adam) Chelstrom, North Mankato MN, Travis (Amy) Fell, Cedar Rapids IA, brother Lynn Hedges, Arizona and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Joy is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; daughter Mary Sue Askeland, daughter Joni Bohning, grandson Tyler Fell, daughter in law, Mary M Askeland, sister, Marvel Jiminez and brother Charles Hedges.

A heartfelt thank you to the team of angels at Oak Terrace Assisted Living and to Mayo Hospice for the care they provided to Joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mankato Mortuary on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 11:00am, with visitation at 10:00am. A family graveside burial service will be held at the Holstein IA Cemetery at a later date.