Joyce L. Fries

Joyce Lucille (Growt) Fries passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on May 21, 2023, from complications of heart disease with her family at her side.

She was born on December 1, 1933, to Martin and Jenness Growt in Rochester, Minnesota, where she grew up on the family farm and graduated from Rochester High School. In 1954, she married Edward Parkin of Pine Island, Minnesota, and together they had two daughters. Edward and Joyce spent much time in their youth dancing, bowling, playing cards, camping, and going on family trips flying to many destinations.

Joyce’s career in life was working largely as a secretary, first for IBM Corporation in Rochester as a secretary; and she ended her career retiring from being the payroll secretary at Afton Alps Ski Area for many years. Later in life, Joyce’s second marriage was to Ronald Fries of Hastings, Minnesota. Together they enjoyed many fishing trips and time spent with family and friends. Joyce was a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ where she was involved as a youth leader for many years and she served on many other committees of the church.

She had a passion for time spent with family and adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed attending and planning family gatherings and spending time with her many special friends. Throughout her life, Joyce enjoyed many hobbies, namely knitting, crocheting, reading, and beading. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, her generosity and willingness to help anyone she knew, and her kind and giving heart. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl (Ken) Holz of Hastings and Denise (Jerry) Holz of Cannon Falls; grandchildren, Jason Holz, Jenny Holz, Joshua (Nicole) Holz, and Benjamin (Jenny) Holz; great grandchildren, Abby and Adam Holz, William and Matthew Holz, and Reed and Reese Holz; nieces and nephews; and her many special neighbors at Oak Ridge Manor in Hastings. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Jenness, first husband Edward, siblings Dorothy and Kenneth, and second spouse Ron.

Funeral services will be held at United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Avenue South, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 55016, on Tuesday, June 6, with visitation from 10 – 11:30 with the funeral service at 11:30. Burial service will follow at the church cemetery. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family.