Joyce E. Christenson, 89, of Grand Island formerly of Burwell passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her home in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Joyce Elaine was born November 10, 1935, at Topeka Kansas.  Her birth mother died from complications during birth and Joyce was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Glenn E. and Nina C. (Nelson) Lehr.   She spent her childhood years in Texas with a portion of her time living in the Philippines and South America.  She graduated from Redland High School in Redland, Texas.

On December 28, 1958, Joyce was united in marriage to Dean L. Christenson at Lufkin, Texas.  They had one son, Chris E Christenson.  In 1967, they moved to Nebraska and settled in Burwell in 1968. Joyce spent 34 years working in the business office and dietary department of the Community Memorial Health Center.

Dean passed away in January of 2003; Joyce continued to make her home in Burwell until moving to Grand Island in January of 2017 to be closer to her family.

She was a member of St John's Lutheran Church in Burwell until moving to Grand Island where she became a member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was very involved in the church ministries. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Burwell and the VFW Auxiliary in Grand Island.

Joyce is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Chris E. and Cheryl Christenson of Grand Island; three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren,  Heather and Nick Filipowski – Londyn, Axel, Fallyn and Knox of Williamsville, NY, Kirk and Morgan Christenson – Mason, Kora, Kenna and Maren of Malcolm, and Hanna and Chris Rainforth- Noah of Grand Island; niece, Tammy (John) Thomas; and nephew, Jack Christenson all of Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dean.

Mrs. Christenson's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Island, Nebraska. Inurnment will be held in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025. Pastor Daniel Bremer will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church of Grand Island, St. John's Lutheran Church of Burwell or to the family.