Joyce Sternberg

Joyce Sternberg, age 84, of St. James died on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Joyce Margaret Christensen Sternberg was born in Bloomington, MN, on September 1, 1924, to Peter and Ruth Ann (Somers) Christensen. Shortly afterwards her family moved to Milltown, WI, where she was baptized at home by the Danish Lutheran pastor. At the age of ten she moved with her family to a farm southwest of St. James, where she attended District #8 School. On June 3, 1938 she was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church by Pastor Ernst C. Birkholz. On May 14, 1944, Joyce married Harold Sternberg, with Pastor Birkholz officiating. In 1948 they moved to their farm in South Branch Township, where they lived until December 2005. Through the years she enjoyed the many arts of homemaking, indoors and outdoors. She also enjoyed participating in church activities and volunteering at the nursing home. Above all, her pride and joy were her four children and their families, including spouces, 12 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, her sisters, Evelyn Dexheimer and Edith Sowers, and her brother, Norman Christensen. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Rev. David Alice Sternberg of Rhinelander, WI, John Marie Sternberg of Tampa, FL, Diane Larry Dannen of St. James, Marcia Leo Derkowski of Sleepy Eye, brothers, Pete Betty Christensen of St. James, Dick Ramona Christensen of Willmar, and a sister, Jean Knudson of Kimberling City, MO, 12 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.