Joyce Kiesz passed away on Sunday, March 9th at Bethesda Nursing Home at the age of 102 years young. The Visitation and Prayer Service for family and friends will be in Aberdeen, South Dakota at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home from 3:00-7:00 pm on Monday, March 17th with family present from 5:00-7:00 pm. Closing prayers will be at 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bowdle, South Dakota on Tuesday, March 18th at 2:00 pm with Pastor Tim Daub officiating. Graveside service to follow. Refreshments will be served at the church after the burial.
Joyce Eileen Coleman was born on November 8, 1922, in rural Bemidji, Minnesota to John Emery Coleman and Lily McGaffin Coleman. While working at the hospital in Hot Springs, South Dakota, Joyce met the love of her life, Kenneth Martin Kiesz. Joyce and Kenneth were united in marriage on June 25, 1947. While farming southwest of Bowdle, they raised small grain crops, feeder cattle and horses. During this time Kenneth and Joyce were blessed with four children, Linda, Rebecca, Nancy, and Alex. Joyce also worked part-time in both Bowdle and Hoven hospitals as a registered nurse. While at Hoven she served on the surgical team and as the Director of Nursing. All the while inspiring her three daughters to become registered nurses.
Unexpectedly in 1980, Kenneth passed away. Joyce eventually moved to Aberdeen and retired and resided at Bethesda Parkside for 25 years. While at Parkside, Joyce was an active volunteer working in the library, delivering newspapers and collecting noon meal tickets. She enjoyed reading, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, oil painting, and collecting bird knickknacks. She became proficient at computer skills after taking computer classes. She walked every day in and around Parkside and swam at the YMCA until age 92. She also was an avid TWINS fan and rarely missed a televised or broadcasted game. In 2010 at age 88 she attended her first TWINS game at Target Field.
Joyce is survived by her children: Linda Penrod (John) Volga, SD; Rebecca Kettenburg (Walter) Lakewood, CO; Nancy Kiesz Aberdeen SD; and Alex Kiesz(Connie) Bowdle, SD, six grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, as well as, nieces and nephews. All of her descendants have been greatly blessed by her independence, generosity, and wisdom. She was a remarkable role model and will be deeply missed by her family and loved ones.
The family would like to thank Avera at Home and Hospice and Bethesda Home.
www.spitzerfuneralhome.com
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