Obit: Donaldson, Joyce M. (1923 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Donaldson, Patterson, Robertson

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 12/03/2016

Donaldson, Joyce M. (Patterson) (25 FEB 1923 - 29 NOV 2016)

Joyce M. Donaldson, 93, a long-time resident of Fifield, Spirit and Appleton, died on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Renaissance in Appleton.

Joyce was born on Feb. 25, 1923 in the family home near Fifield. Joyce was the fifth of eight children born to Alexander and Laura Patterson. She graduated as salutatorian from Fifield High School in 1940.

While working and attending business school in Eau Claire, Joyce and her younger sister, Jeannie, attended evangelistic meetings and both received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The two sisters then attended Northwestern Bible School in Minneapolis (now the University of Northwestern).

In 1949, while working in Phillips, Joyce met Gordon Donaldson. On June 10, 1950, they were married in Ogema Baptist Church. Joyce chose to stay at home to raise their five children and support Gordon as he ran Donaldson’s General Merchandise in Ogema. Later, they opened their home to many foster children and two boys joined the family through adoption.

Throughout her life, Joyce was known for her sweet and loving spirit and her devotion to the Lord Jesus and her family. Even in her last years, she did not change. Joyce finished her earthly life demonstrating the perfect peace and contentment only Christ can give.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Cathie), Dudley (Inge), Bethel, Janis (Jim) Robertson, Grace, Buddy, and Ralph. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her sisters, Dorothy, Martha, Lorraine and Jeannie; her brothers, Linton, Wilson and James; her grandson, Joshua; and her great grandsons, Daniel and Harrison.

A memorial service for Joyce Donaldson will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at Valley Baptist Church, 3600 N. Chippewa Street, Appleton, Wisconsin 54911.