Britton, SD: The funeral service for Joyce Kann will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church in Britton. Lance Griese will officiate the service. Burial will be at the Britton Cemetery under the direction of Olson Funeral Chapel.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the church, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service.
Joyce M. Lickness was born July 10, 1936 to Theodore and Mathilda (Lueck) Lickness at family farm. She graduated from Veblen High School in 1955. That fall she attended Presentation Nursing College and graduated as a registered nurse in two years. Throughout high school she worked at a local restaurant. While in college she was introduced to Merle S. Kann and they began dating shortly after.
After becoming a registered nurse she began working at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN in surgery and took on the added role of becoming instructor for nursing students on the surgical floor. Joyce and Merle were married on March 27, 1960 in Veblen, SD. To this union four children were born, Sandra, James, Nancy, Janet. They remained on the farm until Merle’s passing in 1983. In 1984 Joyce moved to her little house in Britton, and remained there until the time of her passing.
Joyce was a dedicated registered nurse for 50 years at the Britton Hospital. Being a wife, mother, and nurse she made the decision to work nights which she did for nineteen years, when in 1982 she was given the opportunity to become head nurse. Her last years before retiring at age of 75 was spent as a home health nurse. She really enjoyed those years because she got to continue to be a nurse, as well as visit with them, usually with a cup or two of coffee. Throughout her nursing career many coworkers turned out to lifelong friendships and she cherished those relationships.
Living on the farm brought great joy to Joyce and truly enjoyed farm life, whether that was milking cows or helping Merle wherever needed. She had a large garden and did many years of canning, and made some of the best pickles. She had a green thumb and always had beautiful flowers in her yard. She was especially proud when Britton had yard of the week and her home was given that honor. Truly a farm wife, she enjoyed a simple car ride, being able to look over the crops, and watching the newborn calves running in the pastures. Any ride became extra special if she got to stop and have an ice cream cone. She thoroughly enjoyed it when you stopped by her house with ice cream and a visit. Being a grandma meant the world to Joyce. She loved attending their activities but more importantly spending time with them. She enjoyed hosting many holidays in her little house. With the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren her home became full with many memories.
Monday, March 31, 2025 Joyce got her wish, passing away at her home on the farm, at the age of 88.
She is survived by her children: Sandy (Louie) Bratsveen, Jim Kann, Nancy (Dan) Hagen and Janet (Ed) Binfet; her grandchildren: Lucas Bratsveen, Adam Bratsveen, Austin Bratsveen, Matthew (Ashley) Kann, Jason (Ashley) Kann, Katie Kann, Nathan (Kelsey) Kann, Kendall (Ashley) Hagen, Brandon (Calee) Hagen, Kyle (Tomi) Hagen, Landon Binfet and Megan (Austin Anderson) Binfet, her great-grandchildren: Brayden, Kasson, and Myah Kann, Hannah, Evan, and Nolan Kann, Carter and Cade Kann, Tripp, Briggs and Wyatt Hagen, Tru and Tuf Hagen, Henry and William Hagen; one great-granddaughter on the way at the end of April; nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Merle; her parents; her siblings; grandson, Eric Bratsveen, and great-granddaughter, Brielle Lynn Kann.
The post Joyce Kann, 88 appeared first on Hub City Radio.