Darlene "Joyce" Jern

Darlene Joyce Jern, age 75, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Alomere Health in Alexandria.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. PJ Malin officiating. Private family interment will take place at East Moe Cemetery, Moe Township.

The visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.

Darlene “Joyce” Walberg was born on July 19, 1948, to George and Betty (Slipper) Walberg in Alexandria, alongside her twin sister, Jean, who was not only her sibling but also her best friend throughout life. She and her family were raised on the family dairy farm. She attended Nelson Elementary School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1966. After high school, Joyce worked as a Candy Striper, volunteering at the Douglas County Hospital. She married her high school sweetheart, Clayton Jern, in August of 1970 at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Together, they had three children, raising their family in Alexandria. Joyce worked a number of jobs in the area, most notably for Knute Nelson and Donnelly Custom Manufacturing for over 25 years. After retirement, she stayed busy keeping up with her children and their families. She enjoyed watching game shows, trips to the casino, garage sales, camping in Itasca, and traveling to Florida and Mexico with her family. Joyce was the glue that held her family together, and she will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clayton in 1990; brother, Bill; sister, Kathy; and nephew, Rick.    

Joyce is survived by her three children, Jason Jern of Alexandria, Kim Jern of Alexandria, and Jennifer (Keith Dreger) Drussell of Alexandria; grandchildren, Brittany Jern, Cody Drussell, Morgan Drussell, Abby Randall, Lexi Randall, Haylee Jern, Riley Hanson, Keigan Barker, Madison Dreger, and Kolton Sternquist; brother, Wally (Jean); sister, Jean (Al) Brown; former daughter-in-law, Angie Hendricks; special friends, Amy (Larry) Randall; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.