Obituary of Joyce Veltikold

Joyce Eleanor Veltikold was born on January 1, 1929 to Martin and Jessie Nysetvold (nee Arneson) at home on the farm in the Roros District. She was the first daughter, Five brothers: Arnold, Melvin, Basil, Delmer and Milfred were older. Younger sister, Evelyn would follow. Joyce was baptized at the Battle River Scandinavian Lutheran Church on January 23, 1929 by Dr. HT. Egedahl. He school days were spent at Roros School, north of Chauvin. As she grew in her faith, she was confirmed at Battle River on July 25, 1943 by Pastor Egedahl. One December 12, 1947 she married Kermit Veltikold at the Wainwright United Church and the reception followed later at the farm. As her new life began, Joyce's faith became very strong. She began to play the organ at Zion Lutheran Church, and was involved in the church choir. After Wayne was born, she continued serving her Lord. She was involved in the many activities of the Ladies Group - Bible Studies, church suppers, bake sales, skits, quilting, banner making, cookbooks, cleaning and lefsa bees. When Wayne was in Luther League, she became a leader. Kermit rigged the truck with stock racks, a tarp and a few bales and the youth group was off to spread joy to others with their Christmas Carols. Over the years she held many offices on the church council and Ladies Group executive. Family was everything to Joyce. She had a special relationship with her sister Evelyn - they did many things together over the years. She cared for her brothers and their families. Kermit , the love of her life, is a real gem. They were so dedicated to each other. Wayne and Debbie , busY parents , always had some time for them. She was so proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. When they were old enough, they took the grandkids camping to the Wainwright Stampede. They had a great time spoiling them. Joyce and Kermit would travel around Alberta to attend the rodeos where Kelly was in barrel racing and Tyson in bull riding competitions. She never did watch any of Tyson's rides - it was just too difficult. Kelly, your grandma was so pleased that you are making great grades in your studies. Tyson and Jane, when Joyce heard your news about the baby, she rejoiced - you really made her day. Joyce was not only a mother and a grandmother to her own. She was known as Grandma Joyce to many young children. The children of all our pastors claimed Joyce as their own Grandma because she always cared for them. She remembered them on their birthdays and at Christmas. Even when they moved away, she would send them parcels and talk to them on the phone and they loved her. Debbie's nieces, Lacey and Charity called them Grandma Joyce and Poppa Joe. Joyce, along with sister Evelyn, took other extended family members under their wing when their grandmas passed away and provided all the love and fun that their own grandmas would have given. Joyce loved all aspects of farming. She drove truck for many years before Wayne, Debbie and Tyson became involved. Later it was her turn to make sure that everyone had lots to eat. When she left the field after serving her crew a sumptuous noon meal, she would ask them when they wanted supper. Wayne said he always gained weight during harvest. Even after Joyce and Kermit moved to Lloydminster, Joyce phoned each day to find out how things were going on the farm. Joyce kept track of the grain prices, even to her last days. Many a discussion at the hospital was about how high the Canola price was. She was excited for Tyson and his new truck. Joyce was a great cook. She prepared many wonderful dishes, which many of us at Zion looked forward to at our potlucks. He lefse and flatbread and ribbon sandwiches were favorites of all. Many elderly bachelors in the area were always welcomed for meals at Joyce and Kermits. The snowmobilers even stopped there for a hearty meal. Joyce loved her sports. When she was younger, she was an avid curler. She went to many bonspiels in McLaughlin and the surrounding area. When Debbie joined the family, Joyce took up skidooing and the two of them would travel south to Arnold and Grandma Jessie's farm to visit. Later on Joyce would take up bowling. Some of her team members included Mary Smith, Susie Champagne, Gladys Johnson, Elsie Taylor, Julie Sand and Evelyn. Bowling ventures took them on many road trips to Edmonton where they made time to shop and have loads of fun. With all these activities, she still had time left to tend to her garden and flowers and greenhouse that Kermit had built for her. But summer was not complete without a few camping trips. She loved Camping! June found them camped at the Wainwright Stampede Grounds with Sherman and Elsie, Lloyd and Elsie, grandchildren and extended family. Later, they spent time traveling the country or at Cold Lake camping with friends, Betty and Ed. Joyce loved her music. She played the organ at Zion for 54 years. We were very blessed to have Joyce at the organ and Gladys at the piano for many years. They made a great musical team. Being a church organist had its adventures. One Sunday, she found a mouse in the organ. Joyce grabbed her shoe and chased the little critter away. After Gladys retired from the piano, Brianne played with Joyce. When Joyce felt Brianne was ready, she too decided to retire. However she did help out if Brianne was unable to play. Joyce and Kermit enjoyed listening to old time fiddle music. They would travel great distances to hear fiddlers performing at jamborees or competitions. They especially were proud of Brianne and Kari and their musical accomplishments. Joyce had a great sense of humor. She loved to have fun with her family and friends. Debbie recalled on Halloween when Joyce, Judy Whaley, Evelyn and Debbie went Halloweening in their coveralls and paper bag heads. They collected lots of candy and had a great time until Jessie and Clarence figured out who they were. And for the little ones, Santa really did stop at Joyce and Kermits on Christmas Eve! Joyce giggled and got as excited as the kids when Santa rang the doorbell, and left the gifts for them. Joyce loved a good game of cards. Each New Years Eve, several neighbours would gather for a fun night. You can be sure there was an abundance of Ole and Lena jokes, lots of food, even more teasing and a bit of cheating at cards. Evelyn recalls the many nights she, Roy, Joyce, Kermit and Djuffs got together for games of whist. For the fun of it, Joyce and Evelyn used their feet to let each other know whether the play was the right one or not, and Sherman claimed he could always decipher their messages! Joyce discovered a sure fire was to deal with telemarketers - she spoke to them in Norwegian! Joyce loved life - she made us laugh, she made us sing, she encouraged us and set an example by showing the love she had for all of us and especially her love for her Lord. She was a very special lady and will certainly be missed by all. Joyce Veltikold passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at the age of 78 years. Joyce is survived by her loving husband Kermit, her son Wayne and his wife Debbie, her grandchildren Tyson and his wife Jayne and granddaughter Kelly and friend Trevor. Sister Evelyn Haug, brothers Arnold Nysetvold, Delmer Nysetvold and wife Lea; sister-in-law Stella Nysetvold and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Martin and Jessie Nysetvold; Brothers Milfred, Melvin and Basil. Sisters-in-law Lillian Nysetvold and Sigrid Proctor, Brother-in-law Roy Haug. Also Helen and Lloyd Welin, Gladys and Carl Cohenour, and nephew Lorne Nysetvold and niece Shirley Ridge way, great niece Stephanie Cohenour. Evelyn and Delmer's memories of Joyce: 1947-'48 On a romantic trip to Lloydminster by Kermit, Joyce and Delmer to pick up a load of furniture for other newlyweds Homer and Toril Veltikold, the lights on Kermit's 1938 International Truck quit working just outside of Lloydminster. They felt that they knew the road well enough, and kept on their journey. Around the Moffat farm, the truck skidded off the road and into the ditch. It was time for help! Another passer-by pulled them back onto the road and after determining that a blown fuse was the cause of the problem, a foil cigarette wrapper was used to reconnect the wire, and away they went! Joyce took up snowmobiling in the early 70's and enjoyed many trips through river hills, back to home place for coffee and to warm up. The old trails once used by horse and buggy were not too used to those noisy sleds. One particular trip saw Joyce follow brother Delmer up #1 Hill, the notorious, most challenging climb around. About half was up, the sled ran out of power and started to roll back down the hill, with the driver trying to hang on, but eventually jumping off in search of her lost boot! The machine made it one piece back to the farm, minus the windshield! Card of Thanks The family of Joyce Veltikold would like to express our thanks for all the many acts of kindness, cards, phone calls, visits, food brought to our homes, lovely floral arrangements and the many donations in memory of Joyce. Thank you to Dr. Chapelski and all the nursing staff on the 3rd floor of the Lloydminster Hospital. You all treated Joyce so well, she could never say enough, about how well she was looked after. Thank you to McCaw's Funeral Home for their caring compassion, Pastor Nolan Astley for the beautiful service he had, to the Bergerud girls for their special music, to the Zion Lutheran Ladies for the wonderful lunch and to the pallbearers. Kermit Wayne & Debbie Tyson & Jane Kelly & Trevor Thank you to everyone who were so kind and generous to us at the time of our sister Joyce's passing and for all your prayers, phone calls, cards, flowers and food brought to our homes. Special thank you to Pastor Nolan and to Cheryle for your prayers and visits and being there for us. All was greatly appreciated. God Bless you all. Evelyn & Arnold Delmer & Lea Donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.