Joyce R. Gunneson, age 74 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died on Monday, September 30, 2024, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Joyce Rose (Postel) Gunneson, the daughter of Otto and Lillian (Clyne) Postel, was born on December 12, 1949, in New Ulm, Minnesota. She attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Ulm. On February 2, 1974, during a snowstorm in Essig, Joyce married the love of her life, Stanley Gunneson of Sleepy Eye and they settled in Sleepy Eye where they raised their family. Joyce absolutely loved being a wife, mom, and grandma. She showed her love in many ways including making sure everyone always had plenty to eat, offering cautionary reminders, and texting with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Going camping up north, listening to Elvis, and watching “Bandwagon” were ways Joyce loved to spend her time. She never turned down a shopping trip or a leisurely car ride. Joyce loved to cook and had an impressive cookbook collection. She also loved black bears, sauerkraut, sunflowers, hummingbirds, and her dogs. Joyce was courageous, loyal and cared about others. She will be incredibly missed by her family and friends.
Joyce is survived by her husband and best friend of 50 years, Stan Gunneson; daughters, Melissa (Mike) Rosales and Shelley Gunneson; grandchildren, Aubree Rosales, Jersey Deree, Natalie Deree, and Trevor Grau; brother, Larry (Connie) Postel; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Bill) Polchow, Marlene Walters, Darlene Beranek, Betty (Dale) Braun, Mary Lou Postel, and Carla Postel; and many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jamie Gunneson; parents, Otto and Lillian Postel; sisters, Gloria Korkemeier and Marilyn Zobel; brothers, Gary Postel, David “Pete” (Dorothy) Postel, Howard “Howie” Postel, and Mike Postel; parents-in-law, Kimball and Leona Gunneson; and brothers-in-law, Roger Gunneson, Ray Walters, and Steve Beranek.
