Josephine Joyce Grabarkiewicz

Joyce Grabarkiewicz, 87, of Rochester, MN, died peacefully, May 24th, 2024 with family at her side.

Joyce was born September 1, 1936 in Minnesota City, MN to George and Monica Bronk. She graduated from Cotter High School in Winona, MN. She went on to pursue teaching at St. Mary's College in Winona.

On September 29. 1956, she married Dale Grabarkiewicz from Austin, MN. They were married at St. Mary's Church in Winona. The couple settled in Rochester and raised their two daughters.

Joyce was full of life. She loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with her dad. Being raised on the farm, she loved animals of all kinds, especially her granddogs.

Joyce worked in retail for many years, JCPenney, Woolworth, always in the fabric area. She sewed clothes for the girls and their friends.

But Joyce's truest passion was her calling to service of the impoverished country of Haiti and its people. Her and Dale raised money and goods to send to Haiti. They made many trips to Haiti, helping to build houses, they provided supplies and helped distribute food. She helped support the Sisters of Charity under Mother Teresa. They helped build a volunteer house and hosted groups and individuals who wanted to volunteer to work with the Sisters in their many facilities.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Grabarkiewicz, daughter Julie (Bill) Cole, six grandchildren, Pierre Maves, Adam (Melissa) Maves, Charles Maves, Cassandra (Joe) Anwander, Chad Cole, and Brandon Cole. Four sisters, Rita Brasket, Jane Rolbiecki, Catherin (David) Engler, and Phyllis (Robert) Schoen, two brothers, John (Dianne) Bronk and Patrick (Jean) Bronk, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Alan Maves, her parents, George and Monica Bronk, and two brothers, Franklin Bronk and George (James) Bronk.

We would like to extend a very special thanks to the care providers at Seasons Hospice for the wonderful care Joyce received.

A memorial mass will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, May 31. 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Grabarkiewicz family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com