Joyce A. Apostal

Joyce Apostal, 79, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Joyce Ann Williams was born to Andrew and Alice (Sodeberg) Williams on June 15, 1930 in Staples, Minnesota. She was raised in Thief River Falls, Minnesota and graduated from Thief River Falls High School in 1948. She attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she met her husband, Robert (Bob) Apostal. They were married on July 18, 1953. The couple attended graduate school at the University of Missouri, where Joyce earned a Master of Arts in Mathematics, and Bob earned a Ph.D. in Counseling. Daughter Kathy was born in Missouri. After graduation, Joyce served as a math professor at Stephens College (Missouri) and at the University of Maine, where son David was born. The family moved to Grand Forks in 1968, where Bob was a professor and chair of the Counseling Department at the University of North Dakota. Joyce was active as a Girl Scout leader, painter, and participant with a group of friends that celebrated international food cultures. Bob Apostal died May 16, 2009. Joyce and Bob established the Friendship Circle Round Dance Club in Grand Forks. The coupled traveled in the U.S. and Canada, teaching at round dance workshops and festivals. They were active in round dancing for 35 years. After retirement, Bob and Joyce spent summers in Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, and winters in Mesa, Arizona. They were active in dance, music, and arts & crafts. Joyce was a member of the Red Hat Society. Joyce will be remembered by her children, Kathy and David, and by numerous cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Funeral Services: 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2010 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery at a later time.