Joyce G. Weidell

Joyce Georgeanna Weidell (née Rudiger), was born on August 17, 1930 in St. Paul, MN to Charles and Virginia Rudiger and passed away on March 11, 2025.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Ron; her parents, brother, Gary Rudiger; son, Ron and his wife Debbie; daughters, Jillane and Janice; son-in-law, Larry LaBathe; grandson, Armin Olson and step-grandson, Troy LaBathe. She is survived by her children, Maureen (Phil) Pommier, Mary (Jon) Olson, Buck Weidell, Rick (Mary) Weidell, Michelle (Bill) Olson, Angie Weidell-LaBathe, and John (Alina) Weidell; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren (with the 20th expected in May), nine great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She met her husband Ron while they were in school and married in 1950. Ron and Joyce built their first home in Roseville, MN where they raised eight children. In 1968 they bought a lake resort with a small tavern east of Brainerd in Nokay Lake Township, where Joyce and the kids operated the resort during the summer season. Summers were filled with parties, swimming, fishing, friends and family. Many Friday nights Joyce had a big pot on to boil for midnight corn feasts.

In 1973 they bought a hardware store east of Brainerd and moved north year-round. When Ron passed away in 1987, Joyce ran the store along with her son Rick and was affectionately called “The Hardware Lady.” Attending the hardware conventions was one of her favorite things to do. Joyce even won a brand new bright red Jeep Wrangler one year. In 2008 she retired and sold the store to Rick.

Joyce welcomed everyone to the dinner table, or to spend time at the lake resort. It was not unusual for there to be at least a couple of extra kids at the table or bunked out overnight.

Joyce enjoyed entertaining throwing holiday parties every year for the neighborhood and friends. A holiday wasn’t complete without a beautifully set table and elaborate decorations.

Joyce stayed active playing cards, especially 500 and cribbage, board games, and bowling. She was bowling well into her 70’s and was very competitive. It wasn’t unusual for her to bowl a turkey, or a 200 game. She was also an avid gardener, taking after her dad. Even in her later years you could find her out pulling weeds or directing one of her kids where to relocate a plant or bush. Her steps always had a row of potted begonias lined up.

Joyce was a past President and member of the Garrison Lioness club, a founding member of the B-Dale Club in Roseville, and was active in PTO and various scouting activities. Joyce had a life filled with family, friends, hard work, and hobbies.

Thank you to the staff at Keystone Place at LaValle Fields in Hugo, MN for the great care.

Memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Wednesday, March 26 at Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, 1414 N. Dale St., St. Paul. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Tuesday, March 25 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd B, and at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 AM Wednesday. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.

There will also be a visitation held for Joyce at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home at 202 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN on Saturday March 22nd from 4:00-7:00 P.M.