Memorial Service
Emmanuel Lutheran Church-
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- Email Details
- 117 Spruce St W
Gackle, ND 58442
Joyce Poykko
December 11, 1927 - December 02, 2018
Obituary
Joyce Poykko, 90, Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Gackle, ND, died Sunday December 2, 2018 at Woodside Village – Valley Memorial Homes in Grand Forks, ND.
Joyce M. Nordahl was born December 11, 1927 in Litchville, ND, the daughter of John and Mabel (Giste) Nordahl. She attended Hastings High School where she graduated in 1945. She attended Valley City State College, earning her BS degree in elementary education. She taught school in Litchville, Marion, Streeter and Gackle.
Joyce and Wes Poykko were married July 20, 1952 in Hastings, ND and established a home in Gackle, where they had two children, Julie and Brian. In 1956 they moved to Winston, OR but returned to North Dakota in 1961 where she taught early elementary grades in Alfred for a few years before becoming the second grade teacher in Gackle.
In all, she taught school for 31 years, 26 of those years for the Gackle Public School System. Joyce retired in 1988. Joyce enjoyed watching high school sports. She enjoyed traveling extensively, going to Norway and Finland twice. She bowled and golfed for many years, and loved to crochet. Most of all she loved helping others and loved her family, especially her grandchildren.
Following the death of Wes December 2, 2005, she continued to live in Gackle until moving to Grand Forks in 2011 to be closer to family.
She is survived by her son, Brian (Sue) Poykko, Grand Forks; two grandchildren, Eric (Emily) Post, Lincoln, NE, and Carl (Shawn) Post, Chicago, IL; a sister, Inez Anderson, Evansville, MN; and foreign exchange student (special son), Vesa Savolainen, Finland.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter Julie and a sister, Adeline Meidinger.
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Memories
DN
Dana Miller Neuharth
Other •
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Poykko's family. She was my favorite teacher and helped me through some difficult times as a child. Later, I was blessed to be able to call her my friend. I'm so glad I was able to visit her in Grand Forks a few years ago, we had a wonderful afternoon together. I will cherish the memories. God bless.
ES
Evanda (Janke) Staigle
Other •
Mrs. Poykko was my 2nd grade teacher back in the early 70's in Gackle. Her passion was truly in teaching young kids to learn. I remember her being patient and kind. She always made me try harder in school. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time.
SD
Sandra (Geiszler) Dale
Other •
Brian and family, I have so many fond memories of your mother we were all one big family. Praying that you will feel the peace that passes all understanding.. My deepest sympathy.
BR
Brad Remmich
Other •
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Poykko was a great teacher of school and golf. She would take Mark Schaffer and I to the golf course every day and those memories are priceless and will stay with me forever. She influenced many and I will be forever grateful for all the time I spent with her. God Bless!
LM
Lynn Weltz Mathes
Other •
Joyce is dearly remembered and had a lasting impact on my life and so many others as well. Her enthusiasm and love for people were so encouraging. I love how she kept in touch through the years and that she was sincerely interested in my life. I'll miss her greatly. I'm so glad she was my teacher and my friend. May God give great comfort to Joyce's family and many friends during this time of loss.
JS
JoDell Stading
Other •
My sincerest condolences to your family. Mrs. Poykko was my second grade teacher and I fondly remember the year spent with her. Her positive energy and love for learning created an atmosphere that help students to excel. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God Bless.