June 12, 1945 – January 22, 2016
On January 22, 2016, at Riverview Health Centre, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Joyce Viola Kasdorf (nee Adrian) went home to be with her Lord and Savior, at 70 years of age.
Joyce was born to John P. and Marie Adrian on June 12, 1945 in Hepburn, Saskatchewan. She grew up on a dairy farm in the Lakeburg School District near Hepburn, where she also attended school. She grew up in a Christian home and early in life she embraced the Christian faith when she received the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized upon confession of her faith. Her personal devotions were always an important part of her daily life, and she consistently prayed for us as family and friends.
Her employment and voluntary service took her to a few places like North Battleford, SK. and Pambrun, Sk. but for the most part she worked and served as a Special Care Aid at the Nursing Home on the Youth Farm at Rosthern Sk. She loved her work, she loved the seniors and they loved her. She brought with her, to the work place, an atmosphere of joy, laughter, love and care. (At times it also included pranks!)
In 1971, while working at the Nursing home, Joyce started a Bible Study with some of the girls she was working with. The Lord blessed that ministry, and the Bible study not only grew in numbers, but lives were being changed as girls gave their hearts to Jesus and committed to live for Him. Soon a Bible study started for the boys as well. This quickly grew into a larger youth ministry known as “Truth for Youth”. Many young people came to the Lord during those years. She was very involved in so many of their lives through listening, counselling and praying with them.
Joyce loved her church and after 12 years of “Truth for Youth” her ministry focus shifted more toward women’s ministries, in her home church and speaking at ladies retreats, etc.
She had the gift of hospitality and her doors were always open for nieces & nephews and others to come and stay over night.
Joyce left a rich legacy and will be greatly missed by her husband Frank, two daughters, Shannon (Sean) Francey, Jodene (Colin) Neufeld and six grandchildren, Riley, Reese, Brooklyn, Liv, Roan & Jude; Step mother Elizabeth Adrian, Lethbridge; one sister and four brothers; Ron (Dora) Adrian, Morden; Wilmer (Phyllis) Adrian, Waldheim; Dorothy (Jake) Fehr, Bolivia; Cliff (Deanna) Adrian, Medicine Hat; Em (Linda) Adrian, Lethbridge; brother-in-law Bill and Jean Neudorf, Abbotsford; honorary family members Bryan and Esther Funk, Rosthern; numerous nephews and nieces and many friends. Joyce was predeceased by her parents John P. and Marie Adrian and her sister Erma.
… we do not grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope… (1 Thess. 4:13)
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church.
A second Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. at the Rosthern Mennonite Church.
Her husband, children and extended family will be at both services and the public is invited to attend.
In memory of Joyce, memorial donations may be made to the Youth Farm Bible Camp, Box 636, Rosthern, SK S0K 3R0.
Second Memorial Service arrangements are in care of Funk’s Funeral Home, Rosthern, SK (306-232-5245, http://www.funksfuneralhome.ca).
Our sincere condolences to the family, extended family and all the many friends. It’s truly a time of mixed emotions as we ponder upon our great loss. Joyce influenced and spiritually touched four generations of my family; what a lasting blessing! May you find comfort and strength as you reflect on the many memories and continue to abide in God’s gracious love.
Leila and family
With thoughts and prayers, and thankfulness, so many wonderful memories of growing up on the Youth Farm with Joyce’s presence influence and joy.
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Joyce’s family and friends. We remember Joyce well from our time in Rosthern and we know you will miss her very much. God Bless you all in the coming days and months to come.