Joyce Marie (Metteer) Hepola of rural Sebeka/Menahga passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 72, with her children by her side. She was born to Harold and Gladys (Holec) Metteer on August 24, 1951, in Wagner, S.D. She grew up in SD before moving to rural Nimrod in 1967. Joyce attended Sebeka High School and graduated in 1969. She went on to attend Wadena Technical School.

On May 10, 1975 she was united in marriage to love of her life, Edwin Hepola. The two built a beautiful life together with their children, Michael and Wendi—filled with love, faith and support of each other. Joyce was so proud of her children; never missing a game, concert, or event.  She cherished her grandchildren, Zoey and Henry. They could always count on Grandma Joyce to have some new surprise at her house waiting for them.

She was grateful for her time spent as a stay-at-home mom when her children were young. Once, they were both in school, she went on to work several different jobs—waitressing at the Sebeka Café, a paraprofessional at the Sebeka School, a teller at the Sebeka Bank, and kitchen manager at the Menahga VFW. Every one of those jobs allowed her to do what she did best—serve her community with that ever-present beautiful smile and positive attitude.

Joyce always put others first. She proudly spent decades giving back to the community, alongside Eddie—as a founding member of the Nimrod Do-Gooders which was formed by the Charlie Tuorila led women’s softball team, as a member of the Menahga VFW Auxiliary, the treasurer of the Nimrod Baseball Association to name a few.  She loved attending Henning Girl’s Basketball games where Mike is a coach and treated each and every one of those girls as if they were family. She looked forward to providing rolls and doughnuts from the Menahga Bakery every year for their Parent’s Night.  

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; father, Harold Metteer; brother, Lyle Metteer; father-in-law, mother-in-law, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, several nieces and nephews, and a great niece.  

She is survived by her mother, Gladys Metteer; son Michael; daughter Wendi (Matthew) Montonye; two grandchildren; Zoey and Henry Montonye; brother Jim (Donna) Metteer; sisters JoLynn Weaver, Judy Metteer, Janelle (Glen) Swenson, and Jane (Joe) Brockpahler; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of wonderful friends she considered family.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka. Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Nimrod Hall with visitation one hour prior to the service at the hall. Inurnment will be held at Camp Ripley State VA Cemetery at a later date.