Joyce Perez

Joyce Marie Perez (80) passed away peacefully on January 25th at her home in Fergus Falls, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Joyce was born to Arnold and Hildegard Anderson on April 27th, 1944, in Williston ND. She grew up in Ray ND where she was active in 4-H, Church Youth Group, Cheerleading, Choir, Band, and Piano accompaniment at a young age. After graduating high school, Joyce attended Concordia College and later graduated from Minot State College with a degree in music education specializing in piano performance. Joyce married Layton Prosser in Ray, ND in September of 1963. The couple had three children, Jill, Brian and Andrea. The family lived in various towns in North Dakota before arriving in Wahpeton, ND in 1973. Joyce moved to El Paso TX in 1990 to continue her teaching career in a new community. She married Anthony Perez in El Paso, TX in June of 1993, where they lived prior to eventually moving to Jewett Lake in Fergus Falls in 2002. Joyce continued to share her musical gifts within the Fergus Falls area.

Joyce found her passion in teaching music to all ages of students with a great deal of creativity. She was known for developing music programs that she would write, direct, play piano, and even sew costumes. She had a way of inspiring all types of students to develop a love for music. Aptly named Joyce, her joyful energy was contagious among the communities in which she served. Joyce and Anthony had fun sharing their musical gifts together, whether it was Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, participating in Church Choir, or performing sing-along music at local nursing homes. Joyce was a wonderful host of many gatherings with family and friends at her lake home in Fergus Falls. These gatherings usually included a card game or board game, and an evening bonfire with roasted hot dogs and s'mores. She always made everyone feel special! Joyce was an avid sports fan and could be found pacing the living room when the Minnesota Twins or Vikings were playing in a close game on TV. Joyce had a love of travel adventures with her family, where her fun-loving youthful enthusiasm would shine. She enjoyed yardwork\flower gardening, riding bike, boating\kayaking, golfing and swimming until her health prevented her from being physically active. Joyce's strength and courage were rooted in her faith in Christ; She was very grateful for the caring prayers and kind gestures she received throughout her illness. Joyce (affectionally known as Joycie) will be greatly missed by her family, friends and those she impacted throughout her life. We are thankful for her warmth, beautiful smile, wonderful memories, and the life lessons she taught us by example.

Joyce is survived by her children, Jill (Brian) Larson, Brian (Kim) Prosser and Andrea (Jason) Kovarik; her grandchildren, Andrew Prosser and Justin Prosser; and two great-grandchildren, Addalyn Prosser and Wyatt Prosser; great-step grandchildren, Emily (Tyler) Roudabush and son Jackson, Jolena Munro, and Olivia Munro. Joyce is also survived by her dear siblings and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Anthony Perez.

The family would like to extend our deep gratitude to the compassionate health care providers at Fergus Falls Cancer Center, Sanford\Roger Maris, Mayo Clinic, Avianna, New Dimensions and Knute Nelson ViVie Hospice.

Prayer Service: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, MN. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Tim O'Shields

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements with Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com