Joyce Roecker

Joyce, daughter of Harold and Florence/Flossie (Vollmer) Hunter was born March 8, 1923, near Manning, Iowa. The Hunter family moved into the town of Manning when Joyce was a small child. She attended school there and graduated from Manning High School in 1941. On February 19, 1946, Joyce was united in marriage with Donald Roecker at the Sacred Heart Church in Manning. Their daughter, Sandie, was born and adopted in 1948. They made their first home on the farm near Manning, but lived in several places before settling in Denison, Iowa. Joyce worked as an assistant for a dentist and chiropractor before she found her niche as the Kuemper Knights dance team teacher. Joyce had a real passion for the performing arts. She headed the drama department at Kuemper and choreographed their musicals. Dancing wasn't her only passion, as she was also a very talented singer. She sang for several county fairs, on Channel 3's Jimmy Barnett's Orchestra and at forty-two weddings. Joyce went on to be a professional dancer and singer and was able to perform with four different famous bands. She even choreographed one of the Lawrence Welk Shows. Joyce was a very busy person and considered her job her hobby. Joyce's faith in God was a very important to her. She never missed mass if she could help it. She prayed often and for anyone and everyone, whether needed or not. She loved God with all her heart, mind and soul. In her free time she enjoyed playing cards and entertaining her family and friends. After Donald passed away in 1999 Joyce lived a couple years on her own. She moved to the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in 2001. She made many memorable relationships there with other residents and staff. She kept busy playing cards, watching television and visiting with family and friends. Joyce died there on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the age of 89 years, 7 months and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Donald Roecker; daughter Sandie Roecker in 2008; and brother Bill Hunter. Joyce is survived by her granddaughter Kris (Mike) Warrick of Omaha, NE; great granddaughter Alyssa Warrick of Omaha, NE; nieces Penny (Pat) Leach of Omaha, NE; Jacqui (Randy) Otto of Shawnee, KS; nephew Terry Hunter of Carroll, IA; great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.