Joy Reiten , 91, Minot, died at Trinity Homes in Minot, ND on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

Margaret Joy Louise Steenson was born August 2, 1923 in St. Paul, MN, to Stephen G. and Clara Louise (Fowler) Steenson. She was raised on a farm near Hillsboro, ND where she graduated from high school in 1942. After graduation, she worked as a civilian defense employee at the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. In1943 she enlisted in the Navy WAVES. After completing basic training she was stationed in Norman, OK and then was transferred to San Diego,CA.

Joy was proud of her service to our country and always stood alongside her husband whenever military veterans were asked to stand and be recognized.

When Joy returned to North Dakota, she enrolled at the North Dakota Agriculture College in Fargo where she eventually met her partner in life, Chester Reiten. They were married August 15, 1947 in Fargo. They had five children.

The Reitens lived their early years in Fargo, Fessenden, and Jamestown, ND before moving to Minot in 1955 where they made their home for the remainder of their years.

Joy worked alongside her husband, Chester, in business, politics, and community service. She was First Lady of Minot for 14 years and "First Lady" of the Norsk Hostfest from it's beginning. But her most important and influential life's work was being a loving inspiration to her children and being a dear friend to her grandchildren. She had great devotion in her faith.

Joy was a courageous woman of grace, dignity, deep faith, and beauty. She cared for her husband, children and grandchildren passionately. Her indelible sense of humor and wit was a gift to those around her and will be especially missed by her family and friends. Her appreciation for the kind deeds of others never passed without a sincere expression of gratitude and sweet smile. People would always say that Joy was the perfect name for her as that is what she brought to others.

Joy and Chester were members of Bethany Lutheran Church since they moved to Minot. She was active in her church where she taught Sunday School.

Joy Steenson Reiten was presented with the Recognition of Meritorious Service by the Women of World War II award at the 1995 Scandinavian American Hall of Fame Banquet. In addition, Joy was honored when the Norsk Hostfest named a corridor for her, "Joy Street" which is now a fixture at the annual event. The Reitens traveled to Norway many times promoting the Hostfest and celebrating their heritage. They also traveled extensively in the U.S. as well as 10 other countries. They spent many winters in Sun City West, Arizona where they always enjoyed having their children and grandchildren as guests. However, Joy's greatest trip was on June 23, 2015 when she went to be with Jesus. This, she had said, was the last item on her bucket list.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers: Walter Steenson, and Chester Steenson, who was killed in combat during World War II.

Joy's loving family includes her children: Steven, Harwood, N.D.; David (Carla), Minot; Kathleen (Douglas) Hruby, Bismarck; Tim (Deanna), Bismarck; and Melanie (Jerry) Shonkwiler, San Diego. Her grandchildren: Kaleb, Aleah and Harrison Hruby of Bismarck, and John Reiten of Minot; brother-in-law Donald Reiten, Dent, MN; sister-in-law Beverly Steenson, Park Rapids, MN; many nieces and nephews as well as her special caregivers and friends, Laurie Severson and G.G. Brandt who helped cared for Joy in her final years.

Celebration of the Life of Joy Reiten : Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot.
Interment of Joy and Chester will be private and held at a later date in the Veteran's Section at Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot to honor their request.
Visitation : Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation or to the Norsk Hostfest.