Howard Joyce

Howard, son of Martin and Inez Joyce, was born Dec 30th, 1919 in Golden Valley North Dakota. His family moved to Brandon 1920 where he attended school, graduating in 1937. While in high school, the Brandon High School did not have a mascot and Howard's suggestion of the Lynx won in a contest at the school. He then attended South Dakota State College for two years while working with his father in road construction. Howard enlisted in the Army Air Corps on Oct. 16th, 1941. He married Norma Engebretson on Aug 29th, 1942 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Howard was deployed overseas in October of 1942 where he served in England, North Africa, Italy, and on the island of Corsica. His main duties included maintaining P-38 aircraft. His unit was awarded five Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. After his discharge, he and Norma came to Sioux Falls where they raised their children, Patricia, Barbara and Mark. Howard was working with his father in the construction business when he was contacted by Joe Foss and asked to be a founding member of the the South Dakota Air National Guard. He worked as an aircraft inspector and helped with the training of inspectors. Howard retired from the Air National Guard in 1976 after 38 years of service. After retirement Howard and Norma had homes in Tucson, Arizona and Bella Vista, Arkansas. They were very active in those communities and made many friends. Howard also enjoyed traveling with his family taking trips to Hawaii and Alaska. He was an avid golfer and played until he was 85 years old. Howard is survived by his wife Norma of Brandon; daughter, Patricia and her husband Clark of Seattle, Wa; son in law, Gary Hermanson of Garretson; granddaughter Nicole Van Beek of Doon, Ia, grandsons, David and Andrew Hermanson of Garretson, John and Theron Zahn, Seattle and nine great grandchildren. Howard was preceded in death by his Son Howard Mark Joyce, daughter, Barbara Ann Hermanson and granddaughter, Elizabeth Zahn Hicks.