1931 – January 19, 2026
Our vibrant and beautiful mother Joyce Lewandowski-Krysiak peacefully passed on January 19th, 2026, in Duluth Minnesota. Born in 1931, Joyce grew up in Morgan Park graduating from High School in 1949 as a scholastic student, cheerleader, majorette and was crowned the Fall Carnival Queen her senior year.
Joyce met the love of her life James Krysiak and they married in 1952, moved to Two Harbors raising 4 children. While Jim was teaching, coaching hockey and golf, Joyce was very active in church, community activities and artistic pursuits. A standout project was her intricately designed photo display gallery wall at the THHS Hockey Arena which chronicled every hockey team’s players annual individual stats and achievements.
Joyce and Jim owned and operated the Two Harbors Dairy Queen from 1977-1992. Inheriting with the purchase an “old contract” Joyce established a nationwide name for the TH Dairy Queen creating extra thick shakes with mix-ins that became the format for the DQ Blizzards. While running the Dairy Queen Joyce also earned a college degree in Business and Nutrition from UMD in 1982.
Joyce loved to travel and discover all the fascinations this amazing world offers. Her curious energy and creative vision surpassed her 94 years of life. Joyce’s talents have gifted every one of us – her 4 children; Mark and David Krysiak, Cindy Lipizzi and Gail Ulreich, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church Duluth at 11am February 14, 2026. Visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers Joyce requested donations to 2nd Harvest Food Pantry, St. Lawrence Church or charity of choice. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 W. 3rd St., Duluth, MN, 55806. 218-624-1059.
