Joyce Rosalie Anderson

Joyce Anderson, age 96, passed February 5, 2024. In agreement with her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A service celebrating Joyce's life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A private committal service will take place at Iowa Municipal Cemetery in Slater, Iowa.

Joyce was born April 19, 1927 on a farm near Collins, IA as the only child to John and Doris Gunderson. She attended grade school in Slater and graduated from Waukee High School in 1944. She attended Drake University and Northwest Missouri State University. She met the love of her life while working in Ames at the Red Cross when he was attending Iowa State. Clyde Anderson and Joyce Gunderson were married on December 22, 1946. On December 22, 2011 they celebrated 65 years of marriage together. They lived their entire lives in the state of Iowa including Westside, Everly, Davenport, Windsor Heights, Johnston and most recently at Scottish Rite Park, Des Moines.

Joyce taught school for two years and later worked in the Corporate Offices of Brenton Banks for nearly ten years. She served as a secretary in both the House and the Senate of the Iowa State Legislature for 15 years. She was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 60 years and was an active member of the Win Sum School Sunday School Class, Ruth Circle and United Methodist Women. She was a founding member of the church’s Sunday School Bridge Club, which continued to meet weekly in various homes. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter KO and also volunteered at Iowa Methodist Medical Center for several years. Joyce's Norwegian heritage was a source of pride and celebration. In 1987 Joyce and Clyde were delighted to travel to Norway to connect with her roots. They also spent several winters in Arizona where they loved being "snowbirds" while making many new friends. Clyde and Joyce were ardent fans of the Chicago Cubs.

In 2016 Joyce relocated to Chicago where she resided in a retirement community very close to her son and daughter-in-law’s home. While in Chicago, they enjoyed their daily visits and time together with family and friends.

Survivors include her son, Kent and daughter-in-law, Karen of Park Ridge, IL; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Anderson; three nephews, David and Richard Anderson, Hal Hunt; and one niece, Lori Weiss. Her husband, Clyde and his parents, Clyde and Mable Anderson as well as her parents, John and Doris Gunderson, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311.

Print