JOYCE DARLENE (LAZELLE) ALSTERLUND

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Joyce Alsterlund passed away peacefully in her home of 66 years surrounded by her family.  Joyce was born in Colfax Washington on February 1, 1942 to Delbert Lazelle and Edith Darling Lazelle.  The 2nd of four children, she attended Palouse elementary, transferring to Potlatch Middle school and completing grades 7 and 8.  She later received her GED.  Joyce was an avid reader and a life-long learner.  She was always trying new ways to knit, crochet, grow things, can, and cook.  She enjoyed spending time with her sisters Judy (Gerald) Reisenauer, Jo (Duane) Minden and her brother, Glenn Lazelle.

Joyce married Ron Alsterlund on October 29, 1955 and in 1956, welcomed son Kenneth Warren.  Kenny was joined by Debi (1958) and Eric (1960), completing the family.  She was preceded in death by Ron in 2002. She missed him every day. 

She and Gale (Sam) Dial became engaged and traveled throughout the area for several years until Sam passed away.  Mom cared for Sam during his illness and is also survived by his wonderful family. 

Joyce worked for the Potlatch School District and Washington State University, retiring as the coordinator of Admissions at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine.  She volunteered with the Palouse Lions club and was a founding member of the Northwest Cancer Foundation of Hope.  She was a supporter of the Light A Candle Program at Gritman Medical Center, originally established to honor her husband, Ron. She was a member of the Potlatch Pinochle Club and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her children Kenny (Pam), Debi (Scott Dockins), Eric, and grandchildren Justin (Merilee) Alsterlund, Amy (Ben) Hudson, Kelly (Tasha) Siebert, Katie (Ryan) Breeze, Zac Dockins, Ashley (Landon) Kirk and  Amber Alsterlund.  She was especially beloved by them and their children, Caleb Papineau, Emma Hudson, Maverick and Georgia Joyce Alsterlund, Brenton and Brynlee Breeze, and Kyler Siebert, and a sister in law, Marilyn Kay Westerkamp, Phoenix, AZ.  She is also survived by several nieces and Nephews.   She leaves behind many close friends including Jeannie Jeffers and Lorraine Arrasmith.

A celebration remembering her life will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 2pm at the Federated Church, 635 N. Bridge Street, Palouse, Washington.  There will a potluck/covered dish reception following the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Northwest Cancer Foundation of Hope, P.O. Box 8632, Moscow, ID  83843.

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family.    On line condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com.

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