Joyce Marilyn Jenney

Joyce Jenney, age 90, beloved kindergarten teacher in Glenwood Minnesota for 30 years and then 30 year resident of Kauai died January 19 at Waimea Veterans Hospital.  Born in Wilmot South Dakota in 1930, raised in Morris MN, she was valedictorian of her graduating class, and the first in her family to attend college. She received Associate, Bachelors and Master of Science degrees at Winona State University, all with highest honors. She was named Teacher of the Year in Glenwood in 1967. After being assaulted in her home by a then unknown assailant in 1990 she moved to Hawaii for her personal safety, a place she had visited and dreamed about living. While there she loved being a hostess at Kilohana Plantation, doing volunteer nutrition teaching in addition to writing the book Teacher You Have Smiling Eyes about her experiences. She was a fierce advocate for sexual assault survivors, speaking many times about her experience. Whatever Joyce decided to do she put her whole heart and soul into it and did it well.

She was preceded by her parents, Ralph and Ella Jenney, sister Bonnie Marshall, and in 2020 sisters Betty Waage, Judy Olson and Marilue Toop and her favorite (and only) brother Noel Jenney. Also preceded by nephew James Waage and brothers in law Sherman Waage, Kenny Olson and Shorty Toop. She is survived by brother in law Bob Marshall and sister in law Roxanne Jenney and too many nieces and nephews to name.

There will be a celebration of her life February 4 at 1 PM at Kilohana Plantation.

Memorials can be sent to:

Minnewaska Area Schools

Attn: Joyce Jenney fund

25122 State Hwy 28

Glenwood, Mn  56334

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