Joyce Lelm

Joyce Lelm passed away June 6, 2019. She was born Joyce Torkelson on April 24, 1930, on the farm in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, to Joseph and Bertha Torkelson. She graduated high school and went on to business school, and worked at the capital in Bismark, North Dakota. She married Lamoine Lelm on June 25, 1950 in Turtle Lake.

They moved to Libby, Montana, in 1955. They built their home where they raised five children. She was employed at the courthouse and the county elections for a short time. She was a foster parent for many years and also had a daycare. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church for 65 years.

She served many church positions, and was involved with numerous organizations including: Kootenai Valley Quilt Guild, Sons of Norway, and Libby Food Pantry. She also went on many mission trips with ladies from the church. In later years, she enjoyed her quilt trips with her friends, and will always be remembered for her scrap quilts.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lamoine; brothers Ernest and Gordon Torkleson; sister Marion Torkelson; and parents Joseph and Bertha Torkelson.

She is survived by her children Dave (Beth) Lelm of Kona, Hawaii; Claudia (Jerry) Mongan of Kalispell, Montana; Linda Decker of Libby, Montana; Mark (LaSchell) Lelm of Kalispell, Montana; Hope (Scott) Kirschenmann of Libby, Montana; 26 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schnackenberg Funeral Home Libby. Services will be held Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.