Joyce L. Finkler

December 14, 1937 – July 21, 2022

Joyce was born and raised in Rockford, IL. She spoke fondly of her time in Rockford, reminiscing about family and friends throughout the years. One of her favorite activities was shopping and tea at Connie’s Flowers with her mother and Aunt Helen, then a visit to the Sinnissippi Gardens, or the Japanese Garden. She also recollected about how she, and her brothers, often got into mischief together.  

Joyce was the first in her family to graduate from college, Illinois Wesleyan, with a major in Spanish and a minor in French. She completed her program in 3 ½ years. College is where Joyce met Robert. They attended countless fraternity and sorority events together, garnering her the Fiji Rose title.  

Joyce was an avid gardener, developing an elaborate array of plants and flowers at their home over 55 years. Summer visits for family and friends always began with a tour of new and blooming plants. She was also a voracious reader, working on 3 to 4 books at a time. You could often find her curled up on the couch with one of her cats, reading her latest book or the day’s newspaper. As a result, she was a much sought after teammate in Trivial Pursuit.

Grandma Joyce loved to spoil her grandchildren with small gifts and sugary treats at every visit. This was also an opportunity to indulge her own sweet tooth.   

In her later years, Joyce enjoyed travel with Robert to Europe, Costa Rica, New Orleans, Nantucket and Palm Desert, among other places. She also arranged trips with John and Kari to St. Marten and Florida.

Joyce is survived by her husband Robert; son John and his wife Kari; daughter Erika; granddaughters Georgia, Estella and Norah; and nephews Tom and Jerry. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Tillie and Arthur, brothers Dale and Tom, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 5 to 7 pm at the Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Burial will take place in Rockford, IL., attended by immediate family. Memorials can be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.komen.org/; the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/; or the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society: https://www.benchs.org/.