Joyce A. Nielsen February 14, 1941 – July 14, 2009

Joyce A. Nielsen, age 68, of Blockton, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at the Lenox Care Center.

Joyce Ann Nielsen, the daughter of Jim and Viola McCullough, was born in Fonda, Iowa on February 14, 1941.

Joyce was united in marriage to Kenneth Nielsen on January 17, 1959 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ken’s personal minister became ill so they were married by a complete stranger. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. The couple was blessed with three children; Lori, Kevin and Kelly.

Their life journey started in Eldora and ventured to Garden Grove, then to Orient, followed by Tama-Toledo. From there they lived in New Virginia, Aurila and finally Blockton. 4-H projects were priority and Joyce would tell her children, ‘If you’re gonna do it, do it right.’ It was no surprise to those who knew Joyce animals were the love of her life. All three-colored kitties had a special place in her heart. You could find the family at the state fair every year.

Joyce had a unique gift of sewing and quilting. A special trip was made this year by Joyce, Vi, Lori and Amanda to the Quilt Coupe. She also was a great cook and loved to garden. Her grandchildren loved spending time on the farm and have fond memories of riding ponies and picking out a kitty to take home.

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her mother, Vi McCullough, and her husband Ken, both of Blockton, Iowa; daughter, Lori and  husband Randy Hunt of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; son, Kevin and wife Kris of Lacona, Iowa, and daughter, Kelly and husband Robert Scott of Davenport, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Doug, Amanda, Nick, Nathan, Kent, Camille, Alyssa, Bradlee and Dustin, and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Caden.

Contributions can be made to Creston Animal Rescue Effort.

Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home of Mount Ayr was in charge of the arrangements.

Services were held at the Blockton Community Center in Blockton on Friday, July17, 2009, with Rev. Scott Marcum officiating. Musician was Rev. Rick Titus.

Casket bearers were Dick Still,  Rod Zollman, Dan Marren, Don Marren, Marlin Brown and Steve Brown.

Honorary pall bearers were Doug Hunt, Nick Kirschbaum, Nathan Kirschbaum, Kent Nielsen, Bradlee Scott and Dustin Scott.

Joyce was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Blockton.