Joy Margaret (Andersen) Wetzel

Wetzel, Joy Margaret (nee Andresen) of Golden Valley died peacefully at home at the age of 71 after a courageous 13+-year battle with stage IV ovarian cancer. A loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, wife, friend, teacher, mentor and community volunteer, Joy was aptly named because of the joy she brought to each person she met. Born in Seattle to Joe and Froydes (Kittelsland) Andresen, Joy was raised in Bismarck, ND, attended Luther College and received her M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota. She taught for 34 years in the Fridley School District and upon retirement in 1999, became a guardian ad litem to continue her love for children and their well-being. Shortly after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001, Joy became a volunteer, spokesperson, mentor, fund-raiser and board member of the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Ever ready for a new challenge, Joy was a pilot, skier, golfer, bridge player, accomplished cook and an inspiration to all. She and husband John loved to entertain (especially family) and travel (they visited all seven continents). Joy is survived by her loving husband John, beloved sisters Jan Candee (Mylo) of Bismarck, ND, Joline Brown (Steven) of Haymarket, VA and Julie Koch (Larry) of Chanhassen, MN; nieces Allyson Candee (Jay Pettis), Caitlin Brown and Allison Yost (Kevin); nephews Ryan Candee (Amanda Norejko), Tyler Candee (Jessica Intermill) and John Koch; great niece Charlotte Candee and great nephew August Pettis; aunts Anne Warrings, Joan Bergeth and Mary Haaland (Carlyle) and several cousins. Joy will also be missed by seven godchildren and the entire Wetzel clan of Rochester, NY, Toronto, Canada and elsewhere on the east coast. Golden retriever Jackson will miss his companion and champion. Special appreciation to Drs. Prema Peethambaram, Timothy Wilson and Lisa Mattson whom Joy thanked for the past 13+ years for allowing her to enjoy good health, good friends and good works. Visitation will be held at the Washburn McReavy chapel at 7625 Mitchell Road in Eden Prairie on Tuesday, the 11th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be at Central Lutheran Church at 333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (mnovarian.org) or the donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400

Tributes

Joy Margaret (Andersen) Wetzel

November 6, 2014

Tributes

Joy Margaret (Andersen) Wetzel

November 6, 2014

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