Joyce Adeline Albright

Joyce A. Albright, age 101, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Joyce was born on January 12, 1925, in Austin, Minnesota, to Frank and Nellie (Kilgore) Beckel. She was the second of four children and grew up in Austin, where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood, spending time with family and friends. She graduated from Pacelli Catholic School in Austin and, after graduation, worked for Land O'Lakes and several other employers while many of the nation's young men were serving during World War II.

While she was in school, Joyce met Alwyn Albright. They were married on October 27, 1949, and began their family in Austin, where they raised five children.

After relocating to Hastings in 1969, Joyce went to work for the Dakota County court system, serving as a county clerk until her retirement in 1990.

Joyce loved to travel and visited dozens of foreign lands, from the Great Wall to the Taj Mahal to Easter Island. She enjoyed fishing, family vacations at the lake, and spending time on the boat. She even attempted to water ski at the age of 80, proving she was always willing to have a little fun. Holidays were especially important to her. She loved decorating the house, baking Christmas cookies, and bringing her family together. Her children simply describe her as "awesome." She was funny, brilliant, and a bit of a trickster. Everyone knew to be on guard around Joyce on April Fool's Day because she always had a prank planned.

She is survived by her children, Vonnie (Jerry) Anderson, JoAnn (Jack) Kramer, Barbie (Marc) Jaques, Ken (Zoe) Albright, and daughter-in-law, Colleen Albright; her grandchildren, Tony, Andy, Jon, Kelly, Ted, Grady, and Caylee; six great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 71 years, Alwyn Albright; her son, Doug Albright; her parents; and her siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings, Minnesota, with a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the start of Mass. A reception will follow the service. Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.