It is with broken hearts and an indescribable sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Joy Black. Joy’s passing arose quickly with a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer on Feb. 2, 2026.
Joy was the fourth born of five children in River Falls, Wis. She was preceded in death by her parents Eunice (Bosman) & John Vande Vrede, brother Leroy Vande Vrede, father-in-law Willard Black, mother-in-law Louise Black and brother-in-law Harlan Black. She is survived by her husband of 58 years; Terry Black, daughter Tara Halverson (Dustin), son Justin Black (Amy), six amazing grandchildren; McKenna Halverson, Sierra Halverson, Landon Halverson, Isabel Black, Carly Black & Hailey Black, sister Jan Malmer, sister Darlene Hetrick (Gary), ‘little brother’ Gary Vande Vrede, along with countless, wonderful nieces and nephews.
The meaning of JOY refers to the profound feeling of happiness and pleasure.
A wife, sister, mother, Nana and friend; she was everything happy!
A cooking extraordinaire. A baker of all-things-sweet! A music and Elvis lover! She found JOY in most everything in life, the circles of company she cared about and her family being first and the center of how she lived every day.
Joy graduated from River Falls High School in 1967 and was offered a full-time position with 3M Corporation post-graduation. Joy took this opportunity with enthusiasm. She had a type of ambition and determination that was unmatched and carried her through a 42 year-career working for 3M in multiple divisions.
In December 1968 she married her high school sweetheart, “Blackie”-:” Joy & Terry started their family in 1972 with the birth of their daughter and a son to follow in 1976. Tara and Justin were Joy’s entire world. As her children grew and moved through each of their own seasons, their friends quickly became family too.
Joy’s journey was one of light and love. Her kindness will live on in the hearts of those that she left behind. She will be loved always and deeply missed forever.
Join Us for Joy’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ezekiel Lutheran Church - 202 S. Second St. / River Falls, Wisconsin
Visitation: 10 a.m. - Service: 11:30 a.m.
Followed by a Fellowship of Food & Fond Memories
