Joyce Hillstrom

Joyce Esther Hillstrom, 95, of Duluth, passed away on Wednesday March 14, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones.  Joyce was born in Duluth on August 7, 1922 to Fred and Myra Hass.  She grew up in the West End and graduated from Stanbrook Hall High School.  She was a member of St. Jean the Baptist, and later, St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  Widowed at a very young age, with five children still in school, she re-entered the workforce and attained a number of executive secretarial positions during her career.  Joyce was a wonderful cook, an excellent seamstress, enjoyed biking, reading and doing crossword puzzles. As much as anything, she loved walking her beloved bishon, Jessie.  Joyce volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital and with Meals on Wheels at Lakeshore Lutheran Home.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life and first husband, Leon Renier, in 1963. Joyce found happiness again in her marriage to retired Air Force Colonel Carl Hillstrom, who passed away in 1984. Also preceding her were brother Richard Hass and great-grandson Samuel.

She is survived by her children Susan (William) Swanstrom of Apple Valley, MN, Thomas (Debra) Renier of Duluth, Debbie (Daniel) Reick of Farmington, MN, Jill (David) Schipper of Grand Rapids, MN, James Renier of New Orleans, LA, and David Hillstrom,  grandchildren Joseph, Nathan, Dana, Emily, William, Greta, Matthew, Lucas, Daniel, Casey, Heather, and Kye, great-grandchildren Jacob, Michael, Annie, Lucas, Benjamin, Peter, Cecilia, Gracyn, Wyatt, and Leonardo, and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce lived entirely for her family and friends.  She was generous, loving, and kind to all.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 23, 2018 from 10AM until the 11AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  4901 E. Superior, St. Duluth, MN 55804.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  218-727-3555.