Obituary of Joyce Thelma Leslie

Joyce Thelma (Zimmermann) Leslie passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 8, 2023 at the age of 84 after living with cancer for four years.

She was born August 19, 1938 in Coshocton, OH to Bernard and Pearl (Pedersen) Zimmermann and moved to Cambridge Springs, PA in November of 1938 where she spent her early childhood. The family moved to Oconomowoc, WI in June of 1949 where she met the love of her life, Ron Leslie, in 6th grade.

She is sister to Diane Neff (dec.; Al, dec.), Linda McClelland (Jeff), Vicky Werner (Dave), Karen Dixon (Mike), Dan Zimmermann (Sybil Beam) and half-sister Norma Jean Zimmermann (Marg, dec.).

Joyce graduated from Oconomowoc High School, St. Olaf College, and St. Mary's University. She taught at Capital View Jr. High in Roseville, MN and worked as the Chemical Health Coordinator for Forest Lake Schools. Joyce and Ron moved around from WI to MN to IL, and settled on Sand Lake in Marine on St. Croix, MN where they have lived for almost 50 years. Joyce retired early to spend time with their seven grandchildren - mostly at the family cottage and sporting events. She loved to read, swim, golf, cook, play bridge and other games, and loved the family pets. She was an active board member of the Marine Community Library and Elim Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council and the BeFriender Ministry. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Helping Paws of MN.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 64 years, Rev. Ronald Leslie, daughters: Nanc MacLeslie (Bil), Katie Solfest (Mark), and Su Leslie (Dan Brown), grandchildren: Duncan and Zimm MacLeslie, Anna, John and Sarah Solfest, and Anders and August Brown, Her siblings, goddaughter, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Her kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Thank you to special caregivers and St. Croix Hospice.

Memorials preferred to Elim Lutheran Church, Helping Paws of MN, or Marine Community Library.

Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday February 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior and luncheon following the service at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail N, Scandia MN 55073.

The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person - find it at elimscandia.org