Marilyn Joy Ochs

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Marilyn "Joy" (Josephson) Ochs on May 23, 2025. Born to Fernley and Marion (Larsen) Josephson on November 3, 1934, in Austin, MN.

Known fondly by all as Joy, she lived up to her moniker in every way. With her beautiful smile, she had the uncanny ability to light up a room. She lived her life by the simple yet powerful principles of kindness and love, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the good fortune to know her. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched and in the beauty of the gardens she so lovingly tended.

Joy had an artistic soul. She had a particular affinity for painting, selling many of her works. She enjoyed ceramics and owned a shop for a time. She was very fond of the serene pastime of gardening, beautifying her surroundings with her meticulously arranged flower beds. A lover of nature, she especially enjoyed the company of hummingbirds in her garden.

Joy also had a penchant for travel and exploring new cultures. Her journeys took her to numerous countries, including Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Italy, England, Luxembourg, Holland, and Mexico, not to mention her extensive travels within the United States. Of all these places, she held Switzerland in the highest regard, considering it the most beautiful place she had ever seen.

Despite her love for travel, Joy was most content in her own home, opening her doors to her friends and family for endless gatherings. She held the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother close to her heart, considering them her greatest accomplishments.

Joy is survived by her loving husband, David Ochs, daughters Kim (Jerry) Strating, Jody Ochs, and Deb Ochs, sister Terry (Gordy) Briggs, sister in-law Gayle Olson, grandchildren Brianne (John) Michelau, Garrett (Cami) Strating, Kyle (Joslyn) Strating, Molly (Mitch) Kuper, Chris (Jennifer) Berg, Jennifer (Ryan) Pittman, and David Olszowka and 13 great grandchildren. Joy will be remembered with intense fondness and deeply missed by her extended family and friends.

Joy's favorite song, "They Tried to Tell Us We're Too Young" by Nat King Cole, beautifully encapsulates her enduring love story with David, with whom she tied the knot at the age of 17. She & David belied the song with a love that lasted 72 plus years. This melody will continue to resonate, reminding us all of Joy’s enduring presence.

Joy's favorite color, blue, will forever remind us of her love for life, her calm strength, and the joy she brought to every moment.

She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved sister, Sharon Klitzke, and grandparents, Clarice and Thomas Larson, George and Estelle Josephson, brother in-laws Clayton, Keith, Gerald, Richard, Thomas, Arnold Klitzke, sister in-laws Norma Bue, Marion Houge, and Crystal Ebeling.

Her legacy of kindness and love will continue to inspire those who knew her, encouraging them to be as selfless and loving as she was. Joy's final lesson to us all is to love everyone you meet and to show kindness to anyone you come across.