Joyce Lois Stenerson, 89, of Red Wing, died on Thursday, December 12, 2019. She was born on in Iron Mountain, Michigan, on November 7, 1930, to Paul and Clara (Manke) Fayas, Sr. She spent her childhood on the farm in the upper peninsula of Michigan before moving with her family to Washington. As a teenager she worked in the fruit industry and then returned to Iron Mountain and worked in a factory. She then moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she lived with her sister and worked in a sewing factory. There she met the love of her life, Howard Stenerson. The two were united in marriage in Foster City, Michigan, on August 16, 1958. They started their life together in Minneapolis where she was proud of her work as a seamstress at Munsingwear. Together with Howard, she managed several different apartment buildings in Minneapolis. In 1962, they relocated to Red Wing and she worked at the Red Wing Shoe Company, as a stay-at-home mother, and the Red Wing Republican Eagle, until her retirement. In 1967, they purchased their hobby farm in rural Red Wing. Joyce enjoyed running the hobby farm, caring for her large garden, canning vegetables, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She ran a greenhouse and become known affectionately as the "Tomato Lady" by many happy customers. She was a member of the New River Assembly of God Church, where she was extremely active as the church treasurer, a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and in the women's ministry.
She is survived by her son, Howard Stenerson, Jr. of Red Wing; grandson, Howard Samuel (Rebecca) Stenerson; granddaughter, Sally Stenerson; great-grandson, Howard Jackson Stenerson; sisters, Doris Gruell of Kingsford, Michigan, Carol (Henry) Gardinen of Alburtis, Pennsylvania; brother, Paul Fayas, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; two infant children, affectionately known as the twins; parents, Paul and Clara Fayas, Sr.; brother, Gerald Fayas; sisters, Gertrude Lindbloom, Lorraine Fayas, and Evelyn Larson.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at New River Assembly of God with Reverend Howard Stenerson, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Burnside Cemetery. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Visitation
DEC
17.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
New River Assembly of God Church
240 Spates Ave
Red Wing, MN, 55066
Funeral Service
DEC
17.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)
New River Assembly of God Church
240 Spates Ave
Red Wing, MN, 55066