Joyce Arlene Talen — Rochester

Joyce Arlene Talen, 79, of Rochester, died Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Charter House after a long illness.

Joyce Arlene Kooi was born March 27, 1934, in Grand Rapids Mich. She attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and graduated from Calvin College. In 1956, she married James L. Talen. They resided in Ann Arbor, Mich., where Joyce began her teaching career at Willow Run Elementary School. In 1970, the couple moved to Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and relocated to Rochester in 1972.

Joyce enjoyed teaching and worked for the Rochester Public Schools for 20 years in a variety of roles, earning her master's degree in teaching from the University of Minnesota and eventually landing in her favorite position as a chemistry teacher at Mayo and John Marshall high schools. The Rochester Education Association honored her with the Human Relations Award in 1989; and the Mayo Foundation Chapter of Sigma Xi named her Science Teacher of the Year in 1993. She retired in 2000.

Joyce volunteered for several local charitable organizations. She received the Diversity Council Champion of Diversity award in 2002, the United Way Volunteer of the Year for 2006, the Rochester Women's Magazine Volunteer of the Year in 2007, and The Boys and Girls Club Woman and Youth Award for 2007.

She also enjoyed the fellowship of the First Presbyterian Church and served the church as deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher.

In addition to her husband, survivors include sons, Bruce L. (Greta), St. Louis, Mo., and David J. (Lynn), Plymouth; grandchildren, Julia Talen and Peter Talen, St. Louis, Mo.; Haley Talen and Brooke Talen, Plymouth,; and her sister, Marilyn (William) Kooienga, Ocean Springs, Miss.

Her parents, Marian Kooi (Dalman) and Henry Kooi, and a brother, Edwin, preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at the First Presbyterian Church, 512 Third St. S.W., in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Rev. Jay Rowland and the Rev. TJ Parlette will be co-officiating.

Memorial gifts suggested to First Presbyterian Church or a local charity of the donor's choice.

To share a special message or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com .

Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600.