Joy M. Hentges, age 88, of Willmar, formerly of Annandale, died Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Pastor Grant Hoekstra will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in French Lake.
Joy Marie Davidson was born at home in French Lake Township to Robert and Lempie (Kotila) Davidson on Jan. 20, 1936. She was baptized at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in French Lake and remained a member their for all of her life. Joy grew up in Annandale, where she was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Annandale High School with the Class of 1954. In 1955, she married Allen Hentges. They made their home in Minneapolis, Savage, Kimball, and Cokato, before settling down in Annandale. For the past number of years, Joy has lived at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.
In her early years, Joy worked as a waitress at various establishments including the Town Club in Annandale, and the Nankin Cafe and Ambassador Hotel, both in Minneapolis. She later transitioned to a role as a dedicated bookkeeper, working at her husband’s business, Al’s Masonry, and at Cohen’s Clothing in Buffalo. Providing care and love for her family was her most valued role.
Joy had a flair for fashion and enjoyed shopping to look her best. She found joy in simple things like playing cards and board games, listening to her music, especially Elvis Presley, and sharing coffee with loved ones. Above all, she cherished moments spent with her family. Until her sight failed her, Joy never missed a night reading the Bible, a testament to her strong faith.
Joy is survived by son, Joel Hentges (Linda Picken Hentges) of Annandale; daughters, Kathy Hentges of Howard Lake and Kristine (Robert) Johnson of Willmar; six grandchildren, Matthew (Megan), Nicholas (Melissa), Benjamin, Adam, Andrew (Elizabeth) and Alina; seven great-grandchildren, Levi, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Edith, Gabriel, Lincoln, and Ruth; siblings, Carol Jean Burnett of Lillian, Alabama, Cheryl Carter of Brooklyn Park; sisters-in-law, Patty and Karen Davidson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lempie Davidson; her ex-husband, Allen Hentges; infant sister, Donna Mae; brothers, Robert Davidson, Jr. and Larry Davidson; and nephew, Jon Davidson.
Joy’s grandchildren will serve as the casket bearers. Nic Hentges, Melissa Hentges, Arnie Plowman, and Pat Nelsen will provide the music for the service.
Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services.
The obituary, guestbook, video tribute and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.