Joyce Karen Kessel

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Kessel, Joyce Karen Age 70, of Mpls., died suddenly of natural causes January 15. She was born on January 27, 1937 to Theodore F. Kessel & Esther Stephens Kessel in Kulm, ND. The family moved to LaMoure, ND where she graduated high school. She attended St. Olaf College for one year and the U of M where she received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Psychology. She taught school and was a speech therapist at Ramey AFB, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her life in Puerto Rico deeply influenced her painting, poetry, writing and story telling. She moved to Mpls in 1978 and worked for Lerner Publications. She was a writer for a nature series of children's books. She then joined the inside sales staff and contacted children's librarians all over the US to sell children's books. Several are still in print. Two of these books, Halloween and Squanto, received special awards. Six years ago she went to Hamline University and received a degree in the ESL program. Privately, she had many part-time students. Joyce was also an artist and passionate advocate for social justice. She continued to work in the industry selling books to high schools and colleges throughout the US and was still working in sales at Oliver Press at the time of her death. She is survived by brothers, Ted (Barbara) Kessel, Fargo, ND, Leigh (Kay) Kessel, Mpls.; sister, Karine Todd, Lincoln City, OR; eight nieces and nephews, Anne Kessel Tweedy (Matt), Yakima, WA, Craig (Lisa) Kessel Mpls, Ric (Kelly) Todd, Fargo, ND, Ryan (Tracy) Kessel, Fargo, ND, Allison (Brandon) Todd, Phoenix, AZ, and Sean (Jill) Todd, Fargo, ND; eight great-nephews, Darren Kessel Baker, Cole Tweedy, Hayden Tweedy, Peyton Kessel, Felix Kessel Mousigian, Lucas Tweedy, Reis Kessel and Noah Todd, and surrogate daughter, Nicole Latterell. Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 2:00 PM at Lakewood Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S. Immediately following the service a coffee reception will be held at Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop at 34th and Hennepin. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Children's International, P.O. Box 219357 Kansas City, Mo. 64121, Harriet Tubman Women's Shelter, Joyce's food pantry or memorial of your choice. Washburn-McReavy Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Published on January 17, 2008