Joyce A. Sommerfeld

Joyce A. Sommerfeld, age 85, resident of Michigan, ND, died Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, ND.

Joyce Ann Kangas was born December 28, 1931 near Pelto, ND, the daughter of Charles and Fannie (Ilkka) Kangas. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Pelto. She then attended Lakota High School, graduating in 1949. Joyce married Victor A. Sommerfeld on April 19, 1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in Michigan, ND. They farmed together near Whitman, ND. Joyce was a jack of all trades, she delighted in repairing and repurposing items. She enjoyed the flowers from her garden, and the produce she raised in her vegetable garden. She felt great joy when visitors came to the farm. There was a special place in her heart for cats, she loved caring for them and making sure they had a good home. Joyce was a wonderful caregiver of her husband for 12 years following his debilitating stroke. Victor died June 21, 1999. Joyce was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Red Hat Society, and St. Andrew Lutheran Church. In September of 2011 Joyce moved to the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota.

Joyce will be deeply missed by her 3 daughters, Vicki (Don) Staniszewski of Michigan, ND, Janice Behm of Denver, CO, and Marilyn (Chris) Lozano of Highlands Ranch, CO; 4 grandchildren, Michelle (Bernie) Linstad, Justin Behm, Erin Lozano and Morgan Lozano; 2 great grandchildren, Abbey & Ryan Linstad; and her sister-in-law, Ruth Sommerfeld White of Cleveland, OH.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor; her son, Edward; her parents; and her brother, Ernest (Jean) Kangas.

The funeral for Joyce will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara, ND, on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Michigan Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.