Joyce Marie Hughes

Joyce Marie (Reisetter) Krause Hughes, 96, passed away January 27, 2024 at University Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Joyce the 5th child of Archie and Percy Reisetter was born July 26, 1927 at the farm home near Ellsworth, Iowa. The family later moved to a farm closer to Radcliffe, Iowa where she graduated from high school in 1945.

In 1946 Joyce married Marvin Krause of Alden, Iowa and they were blessed with three daughters: Marlene in 1949, Anita in 1952 and Laura in 1956.

Because Marvin was a teacher in public schools, the family lived in Dallas Center, Iowa, Durant, Iowa and Carlisle, Iowa. The family eventually settled in Des Moines and all three of the girls graduated from high school there.

In 1977, Joyce married Raymond Hughes, of Centerville, Iowa, who was an officer of The Rock Island Railroad. She joined Drake Avenue Christian Church in 1978 and was active in the church as well as community functions. Joyce loved the rural life and could often be seen working in the yard or helping to refurbish the farm buildings. Landscape painting and crocheting were Joyce’s favorite hobbies. She acquired the art of oil painting after she took classes in Centerville. She was nearly 50 years old when her mother taught her to crochet afghans. She crocheted many afghans for her daughters, grandchildren and numerous friends. Her daughters, grandchildren and friends are fortunate to have Joyce’s paintings displayed in their homes.

Joyce returned to Des Moines in 1991 and joined Park Avenue Christian Church. Once again, she was active in the life of the church serving as Elder and participated in the activities of the church.

Joyce was not just a mother and grandmother, she was a friend always willing to help with anything – whether it was helping care for a sick child, driving a grandchild to school or a dental appointment, moving, or just lending an ear now and then. She was never too busy to help her family and friends. Joyce loved to take her daughters out to lunch. Birthdays were recognized and Christmas was fun with the baking and decorating.

Joyce had many friends as a result of living in many different places, through the churches she joined, and her places of employment. She never failed to keep in touch with all of them via phone, mail and email.

Having four brothers and one sister was very special to Joyce. With marriages and births the family grew to be a sizeable number. Also noteworthy is that Larry, (nephew), started the annual family reunion, and Larry and James, (nephew), did extensive research to create a Reisetter genealogy book. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by everyone.

In 2009 Joyce moved to Mitchell Village Care Center in Mitchellville, Iowa, where her daughter Laura was already a resident. With Joyce being very mobile, she was able to spend a lot of time with Laura – reading, watching TV and just being together.

In 2013, Joyce joined Mitchellville Christian Church.

In 2016, granddaughter Missy, only 36 years old and daughter of Bill and Anita, died of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). She fought bravely for about 10 years and the family as well as friends mourned her untimely death.

In 2017, Joyce and Laura moved to University Park Nursing Rehabilitation Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Joyce enjoyed many happy years of life and had many friends that included Bob and Shar Fricke, Steve and Lou Church and David and Edna Hamlin.

Surviving Joyce are her daughters, Marlene, Anita and Laura; grandchildren, Cathy (Brad), Lisa, Stephanie (Dave), and Greg (Leslie); great-grandchildren, Brett ((Michael), Taytum, Dexter (Josie), Violet, Hailee, Claire, and Brooklynn; and great-great-granddaughter, Melissa; many nieces and nephews; and Marvin Krause.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gene, Carrol, Don, and Howard; sister, Phyllis Oakland; granddaughter, Missy Edwards; and Raymond Hughes.

The family will greet friends Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Park Avenue Christian Church, 3219 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Joyce will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Ellsworth, Iowa at a later date. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites everyone to join them virtually by clicking the livestream link below, accessible on the day of the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to the Greenwood Cemetery Association in loving memory of Joyce.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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