Joyce Elaine Baklund

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Joyce Elaine Baklund, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Joyce was born on December 20, 1935 to Ragnar and Edith Larson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1952. Joyce went on to marry the love of her life, Sherman Wilbur Baklund, on February 12, 1955 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage together until Sherm’s death in 2022. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Daniel, Debra, Donald, and Douglas. Joyce enjoyed living at The Meadows in Wyoming, MN for the past 5 years and participating in their many events.

Joyce was known for her loving, kind, and generous personality and her great love of her family. Joyce was superbly talented at playing the organ and the piano and she served as the organist and piano player for Glen Cary Lutheran Church in Ham Lake, Minnesota for more than 40 years. Joyce also worked for Betty Crocker, assisted Sherm with his Baklund Contracting business, Northern Asphalt, and for Anoka County and taught piano lessons from her home. In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed all sorts of crafts from needlepoint, cross-stitch to diamond art. Everyone in her family has received beautiful lovingly handcrafted gifts from Joyce at almost every occasion. She was a dedicated Boy Scout mom volunteer and a religious education volunteer for Glen Cary Church. Joyce also enjoyed going to the casino and traveling to her Hilton Las Vegas timeshare with Sherm during their retirement years. Joyce’s deep faith was most important to her and her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, guided and sustained her throughout her life.

Joyce is survived by her children: Debra (David) Marohn, Donald (Kathleen), and Douglas (Pam); daughter-in-law, Michelle Baklund; her eight grandchildren, Nick (Cassandra), Sarah, Amanda Marohn, Zach (Amy), Eric, Maria, Douglas Jr. (Jamie), and Gena; and her great-granddaughter, Ella Baklund. Joyce is also survived by her sister, Jean Zempel, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman, in 2022; their oldest son, Daniel, in 2012; her brother, Dick Larson; and her parents. Sherm and Dan’s birthdays were February 1st and January 31st and we believe that Joyce wanted to join them in heaven this year to celebrate.

Plans for Joyce’s funeral service are currently pending. The service may be held at a later date in spring when the weather is much warmer. Memorials may be sent to the Ham Lake Lion’s Club, the Heart Foundation, or Keys 4/4 Kids.