Joy Ann Rubin, age 86, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, peacefully passed away in her home on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Joy was born on a farm between Clayton and Clear Lake, Wisconsin, on January 9th, 1939. She was born to Rudy and Manda Larson.

She loved growing up on the farm, spending time with her sisters and the animals, playing in the pond and in their playhouse. She cherished that area of Wisconsin for her entire life, specifically Moe Lutheran Church, where Joy was baptized, confirmed, married to husband Robert, and will be buried.

Joy attended Edgewood Country School just over one mile from her home for grades 1-8, and graduated from Clear Lake High School as Valedictorian in 1957. She continued her education at Northland College in Ashland, WI in 1957, and later attended Gustavus Adolphus College where she graduated with Honors in 1961. Later in life Joy earned a Masters of Science in Education through River Falls WI State University. She said “I enjoyed school a lot - studying and learning!”

From a young age, Joy loved music. She played the piano, the flute, and sang. Joy enjoyed being in community choirs, accompanying hymnals at church, and hosting family and friends to play music and sing together. Joy often used music to express her love of Jesus, and it was always a good day when she offered to play or sing a song. Now, Joy gets to play and sing next to the angels in heaven.

On August 4th, 1962 Joy married the love of her life Robert (Bob) Rubin. Fun fact: Joy’s birth was not recorded properly, and she had to have a birth certificate made up so they could get married! Together they built a loving family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that filled Joy with happiness her entire life. She loved her family and said they were “an extraordinary, outstanding, fabulous, proud-worthy group of people!”

During their marriage, Joy and Bob moved 22 times and lived all over the country. They returned to Milltown where they built a beautiful log cabin. This home was loved by everyone in the family and it was close to their children' s family cabins. Joy and Bob even stained the wood from the home by themselves! Eventually Joy and Bob moved to the twin cities to be closer to their children, landing in Eden Prairie, where they enjoyed setting puzzles, attending chapel, taking walks, and having visits with family and friends.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents Rudy and Manda; and her siblings Larry, Gloris, Connie, and Mary.

Joy is survived by her husband Bob; children Timothy (Katherine), James (Laura), and Lana (Todd); grandchildren Paxton, Keaton, Anna, Lian, Peter, PJ, Luke, Grace, and Alex; and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Oliver. Joy once wrote, “We are so happy to provide the world with these people who comprise our family.” She loved her family very much and they all loved her back.

A private family service is taking place in Eden Prairie on November 27th, 2025. A full Celebration of Life will take place at Moe Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Wisconsin at a date later to be determined.

Last Update: Nov 30, 2025 6:54 pm CST