Joyce Van Kempen

Joyce Kathleen was the youngest child born to Wilfred and Jeanette Barklind on March 14, 1942 in Minneapolis.  The little sister who tailed her big sisters wherever they went and got away with everything.  As she grew up the sisters became close friends that worked together at the resort, played together on the same bowling team and enjoyed fishing in their spare time.  She would also do her sisters hair.  Joyce enjoyed riding horse with her friend, Bonnie when they were kids.

While working at the Milk Shoppe as a young woman she met Dennis Van Kempen.  The couple was married on May 14, 1960 at Our Savior’s Church in Minneapolis.  In the early 1970’s the Van Kempens moved to Alexandria where they owned and operated a resort for a few years before selling it and moving to Lobster Lake where they raised their family.

Joyce was a wonderful mother not only to her own children but to other kids and was a second mom to Kathy and Mike.  She also helped raise her youngest granddaughter, Sierra.  She will be remembered as a kind hearted woman who loved a good game of cribbage and enjoyed cooking.

Joyce died on Saturday, November 17, 2018.  She is survived by her children: Dan (Terri) of California, Debra (Tom) Spaulding of Eden Prairie, Kimberly (Marty) Steffens of Alexandria, Andra (Matt) Johnson of St. Cloud, Jodi Van Kempen of Alexandria; nine grandchildren, sister: Jeannine Mc Cabe of Baxter and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, 2:00 PM at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria.  Burial will be at Fort Ripley Cemetery.  In Lieu of flowers memorial preferred to New Life Christian Church.