Joyce graduated from Firth High School in 1950. She was baptized and made confession of faith at Firth Reformed Church. She and Wayne Hietbrink were married there on October 12, 1951. Wayne passed away August 24, 2009. A devoted and beloved wife, mother of two daughters, Ann (Art) Smit of Dyer, IN, and Lynn (Glen) Gana of Firth, NE. She left a legacy of faith to her grandchildren, Jessica (Scott) Mattingly, Sara Smit of South Holland, IL, Garrod Gana of Firth, NE, Grant (Nicole) Gana of Kansas City, KS, and two great-grandchildren Lyla and Grayden Gana.
Joyce gave piano lessons at home for many years, and organ lessons at church. She was active in Firth Reformed Church as organist and pianist for 63 years and also women’s organizations, DVBS and serving as needed in various roles at Norris school when her children were attending. She and Wayne were a team – she assisted Wayne as he volunteered as the church treasurer over the years. She was branch manager of Nebraska State Employees Credit Union for 12 years and worked part-time at the bank for a few years. They enjoyed playing piano-organ duets at church and home. Joyce was a member of American Legion Auxiliary and Senior Diners. After their retirement, she and Wayne enjoyed their home in the country, family history and genealogy, music, reading and their family.
Preceded in death by her parents, brother Delmer TenHulzen and sister Ida VanDeWege.
Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Tuesday, August 6th from 6-8PM at the Firth Chapel (309 Nemaha Street Firth, NE).
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 7th at 10:30AM at Living Life Church in Firth, NE.
Memorials to Living Life Church.