Junice Jacobson Lysne

May 20, 1928-May 27, 2025

Leeds

Junice Lorraine Jacobson Lysne, 97, of Leeds, ND passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Sharon Baker officiating.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be at the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Leeds Lutheran Church: 250 1st St. SE Leeds, ND 58346 or to the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery: P.O. Box 76, Leeds, ND 58346.

Junice was born on May 20, 1928, fifth child to Hilmar and Anna (Ellingson) Jacobson. She was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Maddock, where her lifelong faith first took root.

She grew up in Maddock, ND, and graduated from Maddock High School. In 1945, she attended Minot State Teachers College for a six-week training course and began teaching shortly after.

Junice started her career in a one room country schoolhouse south of Maddock, managing everything from lessons to janitorial work. She later taught north of Brinsmade, and worked a combined five years in the classroom. She often spoke fondly of those early years and her love for working with young people.

On June 25, 1950, she married the love of her life, Magnus Lysne, and they made their home in Harlow, ND, where they raised four children: Judy, Dale, David, and Steve.

Junice stayed home while raising her children and then returned to the workforce. In 1968, she began a second, remarkable chapter of her professional life, serving as school secretary at Leeds Public School for the next 45 years, until her retirement in 2013.

Junice’s desk was a hub of kindness, efficiency, and quiet grace. She took care of everything from attendance and meal tickets to student transcripts, phone calls, and calming nerves.

She was often the first to arrive and one of the last to leave. Her cheerfulness, competence, and dedication made her an irreplaceable presence in the lives of students, faculty, and families.

Outside of work, Junice found joy in a life beautifully lived. She loved to play Whist, quilt with her friends, and tend to her many houseplants and garden beds. Her home was always warm and full of light, from the windowsills lined with greenery to the smell of her famous ginger cream cookies. She was creative and curious, learning to make ceramics and producing many lovely pieces over the years. She crocheted, baked, and stayed active well into her later years.

She and Magnus shared a joyful, enduring partnership. They were adventurous travelers in their early years, exploring across the country and abroad.

They enjoyed square dancing in their later years. They also loved watching Twins and Yankees baseball, catching games on TV, and making special trips to Minnesota when they could. Her favorite players included Nolan Ryan and Kirby Puckett.

Junice also deeply cherished her Norwegian heritage. She attended the Hostfest in Minot regularly and celebrated the culture and community that shaped her roots.

She was also a long-standing member and volunteer at Leeds Lutheran Church, and the Harlow VFW Post 757 Auxiliary, giving her time and heart.

One of the most remarkable things about Junice was her attentiveness. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, no matter how large her family grew. Her handwritten cards and kind gestures were a constant thread of love running through every generation.

Junice was preceded in death by her husband, Magnus; parents, Hilmar and Anna; siblings Leonard and wife Hazel, Mildred, Fred and wife Betty, Harry, and Alvin and wife Darlene; infant granddaughter, Anna Petterson; and great-granddaughter, Cydnie Peña.

She is survived by her children Judy Lysne (Alex Petterson), Dale Lysne (Diane Loftus), David Lysne (Aida), and Steven Lysne (Kari); grandchildren; Selma Petterson (Shane Orthman), Hans Petterson, April (Ryan) Lindell, Ryan (Melissa) Lysne, Emma Lysne (Dylan Brende), Maura Lysne (Aaron Benzine), Christine Lysne, Tara Lysne, Davell Lysne, Ashley (Shane) Berube, Nicole (Linn) Bjornrud, Bethany (Ian) Peña, and Madisyn (Ryan) Neff; 19 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, former students, coworkers, and friends.

Junice will be remembered as bright, thoughtful, and joyful, a woman whose gentle strength and radiant spirit left an imprint on everyone she met. Her hands created beauty, her heart created warmth, and her legacy will live on in every story told, every cookie shared, and every act of quiet kindness.

Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com

The Nelson Funeral Home of Leeds, ND is in charge of the arrangements.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, June 7, 2025.