Joyce Fankhanel

joyce fankhanel

Joyce Elaine Fankhanel, Hillsboro, ND, died Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at the Hillsboro Community Center Nursing Home at the age of 86.  Joyce was the second person to move into the assisted living apartment and was later a resident of the nursing home, which she called home.  Joyce was born December 17, 1925 to Harold and Neita Watson in Pillsbury, ND.  On June 4, 1943 she graduated from Valley City High School.  She continued her education at NDSU (NDAC) graduating in 1947 with a degree in Home Economics.  She married Earl “Buster” Fankhanel in her parent’s home in Valley City, ND on June 24, 1949.  Joyce and Buster worked together as owner/operators of the Fankhanel’s Variety Store for over forty years.  Many current and former Hillsboro residents fondly remember spending many hours picking out “penny candy” while growing up.  They retired in 1995 at the age of 70.  Joyce served as a substitute teacher at the Hillsboro High School and taught full-time in 1969-1970.  She was an active member of the WELCA Sarah Circle at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, monthly ladies bridge club, Ladies VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary.

She leaves behind three children:  Lee Ann, Denver, CO; Nancy (Kerry) Rice, Buxton, ND; and Mark (Jaimie) Fankhanel, Bloomingdale, IL; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind one sister Carol (Ty) Peterson, and two brothers, Jerome (Mary) Watson and Houston (Jeanie) Watson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters and two brothers-in-law.

Visitation will be Friday, July 20, 2012 from 4-6 PM at Wildeman Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 1 PM in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, ND.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Hillsboro.

The family would like to request memorials directed to the Fankhanel Family Scholarship Fund (H-509) at the Hillsboro High School.  The scholarship was created in 2008 in memory of Buster Fankhanel.

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