Kathleen “Kathy” B. Joyce passed away after courageously facing health challenges for the last 15 years of her life. Born on August 21, 1953, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Elmer and June (Christensen) Knutson, Kathy grew up on a farm near Hope, North Dakota.

After graduating from Larimore High School, Kathy pursued higher education with characteristic determination, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and French from the University of North Dakota, followed by a Master’s degree in Economics from North Dakota State University.

Kathy’s professional life reflected her diverse talents and commitment to public service. She taught French, sharing her love of language and culture with students, and worked as a substitute teacher. Her career in public service included serving as an aide to Governor George Sinner and U.S. Congressman (and later Senator) Byron Dorgan, where she contributed to serving the people of North Dakota. She wrote grants for numerous non-profit organizations, helping to secure vital funding for community programs, and served as a Technology Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, demonstrating her adaptability in an evolving technological landscape.

Kathy married John Joyce, and during their marriage welcomed the light of her life, her son John. Though she and John later divorced, her devotion to her son remained unwavering throughout her life.

Smart as a whip with an insatiable curiosity, Kathy maintained a lifelong passion for politics, public radio, and classical music. Her faith was deeply important to her, and she demonstrated her caring nature through nightly prayers for everyone she knew—if Kathy knew you, you were included in her prayers.

Even when health challenges required her to reside at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, North Dakota, she remained deeply connected to the world around her and to the beloved friends who meant so much to her. When she could no longer dial the phone herself, she adapted with characteristic resilience, using voice technology to stay in touch with those she cherished.

Kathy is survived by her son, Dr. John Joyce and his wife Celina of Erie, Colorado; grandchildren, Elliott, Kadence, Ethan, and Alanna; sisters, Karen Knutson, St. Cloud, Minnesota, Joy Chamley, Egan, South Dakota, and Marie Keese, Lincoln, Nebraska; friend, Vi Bergquist, St. Cloud; special friend, Gary Fiedler, Mott, North Dakota, whose steadfast devotion and companionship enriched her final years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and June (Christensen) Knutson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, North Dakota, for the wonderful care Kathy received during her time there.

A Celebration of Life for Kathy will be held at a later date, when family and friends can gather to share stories and honor her life.

Cards may be mailed to the funeral home and will be forwarded to the family. Memorials are preferred to Elm Crest Manor, New Salem, North Dakota, or Prairie Public Radio.

Kathy’s warmth, intelligence, and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed.