Joyce Berniece Westendorf

Joyce Berniece (Hakanson) Westendorf, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on February 12th, 2022 at the age of 89.

Joyce was born June 19th, 1932 to Celia (White) and Victor Hakanson. She was raised in Independence, Iowa. One of Joyce's favorite pastimes was roller skating. She was remembered as "Gal on Wheels" in her yearbook for the class of 1950 at Independence High School. In 1951 she married Lorraine Dale (Mort) Westendorf, eventually moving to Des Moines. While in Des Moines, Joyce took great pride in remaining home to raise their three children. She then spent the next 18 years in sales at Younkers, where she remained and retired as a "Hall of Fame" Younkers employee. Post-retirement, Joyce worked a part-time position at Cardinal Cleaners at the East 9th and Hull Avenue location. Throughout her years of employment, she truly enjoyed and cherished the many friendships and interactions with her employers, co-workers, and patrons.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, (L.D.) Mort Westendorf, her parents, and her brother (Robert). She is survived by her children, Wayne (Amy) Westendorf, Deborah Tezak, and Lisa (Jeff) Kallsen; grandchildren, Michelle (Rick) Mees, Evan Kallsen, Chloe Kallsen; and great-grandchildren. Brandon Mees and Sophia Mees.

At her request, there will be no funeral or memorial service in her name. She wished to be remembered as the loving. "mean and ornery" mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, neighbor, and co-worker that we all knew her to be.

The family would like to take this opportunity to express their extreme gratitude to all the wonderful caretakers and staff at East Des Moines Unity Point Clinic, Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Mercy One Hospice, and Bishop Drumm Care Facility. Joyce loved you all!!

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