Muriel Eloise Josephson

Muriel Gess Josephson, beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away the morning of July 15th, two days short of her 84th birthday. Muriel was born on July 17, 1927 to Leonard and Dorothea Gess. She married Alan Josephson in 1947. Muriel was a business woman for many years along with and by the side of her husband Alan. Muriel and Alan moved to Hoyt Lakes in 1956 and raised their family there. They had many different businesses including the Dairy Bar, Hoyt Lakes Dairy, and managers of the Hoyt Lakes Municipal golf course. Muriel and Alan also managed the Swan River Truck Stop in Swan River, Mn. Muriel taught her children many things including a good work ethic, and above all, the importance of compassion, love and family. She loved watching the Minnesota Twins. She also enjoyed bowling, golfing but the biggest joy of her life was being with her family and watching it grow. Muriel was preceded in death by her parents and the love of her life, Alan. Muriel is survived by four sisters and one brother: Donna (Paul) Wilkens, Audrey (Ray) Neve, Patricia Perkins, Gretchen Grey and Daniel (Connie) Gess. Muriel is also survived by five daughters and one son: Rebecca (Dick) Maly from Meadowlands, Mn; Michael (Eunice) Josephson from Lake Nebagamon, Wi; Deborah Josephson from Ashland, Or; Susan (Lew) Rickert from Duluth, Mn; Pam Josephson from Littlefork, Mn and Janet Fleischer from Hoyt Lakes, Mn. She is survived by 15 grandchildren: JoLyn (Mark) Maly, Scott (Beth) Maly, Mark (Kelly) Maly, Kim (Adam) Geldart, Amanda (Jim) Daniels, Alan (Julie) Josephson, Liana McDonald, Ian McDonald, Rick (Cici) Rickert, Natalie Rickert, Julia Rickert, Michael (Paula) Josephson, Andrea (Mike) Cossitt, Kristin (Jamey) Whatton, and Nicole (Miguel) Navarette and 17 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind many people special to her, including Zach, Fred and Molly. Muriel will be dearly missed, but her humor and the qualities she instilled in all of us, will live on forever. The service for Muriel will be on Thursday, July 21st, at Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes. Visitation will be at 11:00 and the service at 12:00. Officiating will be Pastor Chuck Barnes who was an inspiration to Muriel. The family would like to thank the staff at Chris Jensen Health and Rehab Center for the thoughtful care of our mother and to Solvay Hospice House for our mother's peaceful, final journey.