Joyce Marie Bunn

Joyce Bunn passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson, MN at the age of 81.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Watson Lutheran Church in Watson, MN with Pastor Michelle Rowell officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow in Watson Lutheran Cemetery.

Joyce Marie Bunn was born on August 28, 1943, in Watertown, SD to Lyle and Vera (Hasner) Smith. She was baptized and confirmed at Watson Lutheran Church. She was a 1961 graduate of Granite Falls High School. On June 2, 1961, Joyce married the love of her life Ronald Bunn at Watson Lutheran Church. Together they had three children: Ronda, Janell and Julie.

After high school, Joyce entered the workforce, working for the Montevideo Public Schools as an aide for 7 years before taking a job as a cook at Chippewa Enterprises where she worked for 27 years.

Joyce was a very artistic and creative person. She loved doing crafts, painting on glassware, diamond painting and baking. Many Saturdays were spent selling crafts at craft shows. You could also often find her thrifting or at garage sales. Bingo was her favorite activity at the Care Center.

She cherished family gatherings, especially Christmas. Joyce loved to cook and bake and there are many recipes that she has passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Ronald; children, Ronda (Anthony) Olson of Montevideo, Janell (Gregory) Bunn Verdin of Severn, MD, and Julie (Jack) McDougal of Montevideo; 8 grandchildren, Cara Olson, Justin Verdin, Heather Verdin, Keith (Emma) Verdin, Mandy Hill, Samantha Hill, Logan (Shilo) Hill and Jack McDougal; 9 great-grandchildren, Bryce, Kendra, Dane, Roxy, Trynity, Alexander, Layla, Rhoadz and Kiera; sister, Beverly Knutson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Smith; grandson, Kyle Olson; and brother in-law, Floyd Knutson.

Her memory will forever live on in our hearts.