Joyce Fortin

Joyce Fortin, 73, of Tea, formerly of Doland, SD, passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on April 22, 2025.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Turton at 10:30 a.m.  Father Greg Tschakert will be officiating services.  Burial will immediately follow the service at Doland Cemetery in Doland, SD.  A meal and time of fellowship will be held following the burial, in the church basement.  Visitation will be held the evening prior, Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Furness Funeral Home in Clark, SD, from 5:00 until 6:30p.m. with a time of sharing memories from 6:30 until 7:00 that evening.

Joyce Fortin was born on August 27, 1951, to Gustav and Francis (Schneider) Hagstrom in Doland, South Dakota.  Joyce grew up in Doland, graduating from Doland High School in 1969. On December 18, 1971, Joyce was united in marriage to Kenneth Fortin in Doland where they made their home and raised two boys.  When Ken bought the Standard Oil Station in Doland, Joyce assisted in running the business while also raising their family.

When the kids were old enough to attend school, Joyce began working at the Doland grocery store while helping Ken run Fortin Custom Haying for over 48 years along with serving her community and church.

In her later years, Joyce worked as a rural mail carrier, waitress and cook which suited her love of serving others, meeting new people and socializing. Joyce was an amazing cook.  She was famous for her hot beef combinations, and many in the area eagerly awaited Friday afternoons when they were the special.

After retirement, Ken and Joyce relocated to Watertown for 6 years, until moving to Tea to be closer to grandchildren in the last year.

Joyce will be remembered as the best mother, grandmother, and wife that her family could have asked for.  Joyce was very active her entire life, working alongside Ken to help develop the local youth wrestling program and supporting many other youth and community activities.  A large gathering of kids playing at the Fortin's house was a very common seen, as Joyce and Ken provided a safe, open and inviting place to many. Joyce's greatest joy in life were her grandchildren.  She could always be found with a stash of special treats and goodies for them.  She spent over 46 years of her life committed to following her children and especially her grandchildren's extra-curricular activities. Joyce will be fondly remembered as a generous, hardworking, loving and caring wife, mom, grandma, and friend.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Ken, of Tea, SD; sons: Rob (Ann) Fortin, of Mansfield, SD, and Rod (Heather) Fortin of Tea, SD; grandchildren: Trey Fortin, Lincoln (Carissa) Fortin, Keagyn Fortin, Henry Fortin, TJ Fortin, and Charlie Fortin; brother, Gary Hagstrom; brother in law, Ted Wettestad and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Sharon Wettestad and Shirley Hagstrom.