Andover, MN

September 15, 1951 - August 22, 2021

Joy Fahlan Nalikak passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning at home. Her passing was not a complete surprise though, since she had every rare health condition known to man. As she often said, if there was something unusual to be had she was going to get it, and that just made her “even more lucky”.

Joy was particularly skilled at making friends with weird strangers, amassing a collection of Longaberger baskets that nobody wants, hoarding a collection of plastic spoons simply because “they stir better”, and relentlessly bragging about her family to anyone who would listen, even though we are average (at best). She was also a self-proclaimed obituary critic.

Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Darlene Fahlan. She is survived by her husband, best friend, and partner in crime, Ronald Nalikak; daughters Andrea and Jessica (Kyle); Stepson Uriah (Lisa); grandchildren she absolutely adored; sisters Linda and Laurie; and brother Rick. She is also survived by two spoiled hairless cats.

Joy will be missed by all who knew her for her wicked sense of humor, quirky comebacks, colorful vocabulary, and back seat driving. She had the warmest heart, the kindest words, the best hugs, and more wisdom than one lifetime could hold. Clearly, she was one of a kind… she was a pure JOY.

Due to COVID, a public celebration of life will be planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mayo Clinic Transplant Center, any local food shelf, OR just simply try to be a better person each and every day.