W. Thomas "Tom" Joyce
W. Thomas (Tom) Joyce passed away at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo on Sunday, June 7, 2020, after a recent Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis.
Tom was born in Minot, ND, to Ruth and S.J. (Jack) Joyce. He grew up in Tioga, ND, and attended grade and high school there. He graduated from Tioga High School and was Valedictorian of his class.
He entered NDAC (now NDSU) and graduated from there with a degree in business. After serving his country in the US Army, he returned to Fargo and accepted a position as Assistant Treasurer for Western States Life Insurance Company. He spent his entire working career at Western States, and ultimately became Treasurer of the company.
During his retirement years, he traveled to many foreign and domestic destinations, and he always had a great story to relate about wherever he went. He was an avid bridge player and also was an expert at solving crossword puzzles. More recently his routine revolved around daily exercising at Touchmark, and he loved his daily visits to Hornbacher’s on 32nd Avenue South. There he usually met up with friends for coffee and visited with Hornbacher’s Team Members.
Tom was a member of Sts. Anne and Joachim Church in Fargo.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Kirn of Mariposa, CA, sister-in-law, Edith Ann Joyce of Tioga, ND, brothers, Daniel (Mary Ann) Joyce of Tioga, and Michael (Joan) Joyce of Fargo. In addition, he is survived by 19 nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, brother, John Joyce, and a sister, Patricia Koller. He was also preceded in death by three nephews and one niece.
Funeral services will be held at Boulger Funeral Home, 123 10th St S in Fargo, on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 10 AM. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 AM. In accordance with CDC guidelines, social distancing and masks are recommended. Tom will be buried at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.
Tom’s family is most grateful to Bethany on University, The Sanford Hospice House, and Sanford Medical Center, for the caring comfort they provided for Tom during his final days.
Suggestions for memorials are Sanford Hospice House, Bethany Retirement Living, or the New Life Center.
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I knew Tom many years ago at NDAC. We sang together in several BISON BREVETIES shows.. HE was a great guy and I always enjoyed our visits when I would run into him.mostly at Hornbachers where he would go for coffee..Rest in peace .Tom.. I will always remember you.., especially when I hear ‘SINGING IN THE RAIN “. Patti (Jones) Pratt
Tom and I worked together in the Investment Dept. at Western States Life from 1975-1979. Not only was Tom a good friend but my wife and I were fortunate enough to have Tom in our wedding party in 1980. We spent many a Sunday night at Cullys or the Double D truck stop restaurant. A true friend.
My sympathy to all the Joyce families. Tom was my friend for nearly 40 years. Honest to the core, Tom was loyal and caring, regularly offering advice and wisdom on any issue, and always extending a helping hand whenever it was needed. After a distinguished professional career, Tom spent much of his retirement time volunteering and helping others—a true credit to his humanitarianism. I will miss his companionship, our numerous outings, and all the great conversations. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.
I have many fond memories of Tom dating back to the 40s in Stanley and Tioga at the Cuffe and Joyce
family farm gatherings. And we enjoyed visits withTom over the years we were in Fargo. All of us share your loss and join you in celebrating Tom’s life.
Dick & Jane Walstad
Rest in Peace Tom-
You were my Godfather so My father Darrell Schultz and Mother Mary must have been very fond
of you. I got to know you in later years at a few South Side taverns, it was always nice to spend time
with you, and thanks for being there at my Baptism when I was a little shaver.
God Bless
My parents, Merwyn and Olga Ostrem had the highest regards for Tom as a person and as Dad’s co-worker at Western States Life. I can remember after many a company party they would speak of how wonderful a man Tom was. He blessed our family.
Prayers for your family in this season of loss,
Tedd Ostrem.
Tom worked for my father Dale Haakenstad at Western States Life and was always so nice to me whenever I saw him at company events as he was a true gentlemen and it was an absolute pleasure to have known him. RIP Tom and condolences to all of the Joyce family and friends from the Haakenstads. Regards, Pete Haakenstad
Meeting and working with Tom at Western States Life since 1967, we have had a close relationship for many years. The dinners, laughs and fun grew over the years. Rollie and Tom would go every day to watch Tom’s house being built. Something he was so proud of. Several times while visiting Fargo, we met Tom at the Cork and Cleaver. Those times always brought back a lot of memories. We will miss you, Tom. Thanks for being a loyal friend.
I met Tom when he was a student at NDAC (now NDSU) and he was staying at Ann Gretters home. Tom Gretter was a very good friend of mine. Later we met when we were both in the Jaycees and would run into each other at various times. He always remembered my family and we would have good conversations. Tom was well traveled. I had not seen for some time and was saddened to find he is no longer among us. Rest easy my friend.
Our hearts are so sad. Tom was our beloved neighbor many years ago. After moving we kept in touch, especially enjoying dinners together at The Cork. Tom was an excellent conversationalist. We enjoyed his humor, hearing about his travels and his kindness. We always looked for him at Hornbacher’s – he always got two big hugs from me. We will never forget him. God bless his memory and peace to his family and friends.