Joyce Klingenberg

In the last few months, Joyce often said, “I want to go home”, which, to her, meant she wanted to be well.  That was accomplished with her passing and complete healing on April 27, 2023.

Joyce Irene Klingenberg , 87, was born on January 25, 1936 in Neodesha, KS to Harvey and Retta Evans.  Joyce resided in Neodesha all of her life, attending North Lawn Elementary and then graduating from Neodesha High School in 1953.  In 2010 Joyce and Richard were honored as “The Outstanding In-town Alumnus Couple of the Year” at the annual Neodesha High School Alumni meeting.

Joyce met the love of her life, Richard Klingenberg in 7th grade orchestra class and the two young violinists hit it off!  Their love blossomed and they were united in marriage on September 25, 1955.

They were inseparable for 67 plus years, enjoying each other’s company and raising their three children, Rick, Cindy, and Ann.

She was employed with the Neodesha School system as a secretary for both North Lawn and the High School for many years, receiving special recognition for 25 years of service prior to her retirement.  Following retirement Joyce and Richard enjoyed golfing, spending time with friends and family, and traveling; especially spending the winter months being “snowbirds” in South Texas in their 5th wheel trailer.  While in Texas Joyce took up line dancing and then continued that here in Neodesha with a group of friends.  They also went on several bus tours and visited many wonderful places and made some wonderful memories together. Fishing and camping at Roaring River State Park in Cassville, MO is always a favorite time for the entire family.   Joyce was an active member of the Neodesha Methodist Church where she often played the piano and enjoyed attending the ladies’ bible study group.  Other hobbies included cooking, cleaning, and caring for her grandchildren.   Her children often joked that “you could eat off her floors” any day of the week!!

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Retta Evans, 3 sisters: Fern Calvert, Ruby Corwin, Rosealee Murphy, and great-grandson, Evan Klingenberg.

Joyce is survived by her husband Richard, and their three children, Rick Klingenberg and wife Julie of Oklahoma City, OK, Cindy Dickens and husband Loren of Neodesha, and Ann Frazier and husband Bryan of Tyler, TX. Her memory will carry on through her grandchildren: L.J. Dickens, Erin Dickens, LeAnn Reid (Dickens),  Adam Klingenberg, Jake Klingenberg,  Sam Klingenberg, Kaleb Frazier, Garrett Frazier, Grady Frazier and 12 great-grandchildren: Kinley and Kase Dickens; Brecken and Huntington Reid; Davis, Carson, Andy, Ryan and Mason Klingenberg; Hudson, Carter, and Miley Frazier, and one more Klingenberg on the way.

Visitation will be held at Loran Fawcett Chapel on Thursday, May 4th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Celebration of Life will be held at the Neodesha United Methodist Church on Friday, May 5th, 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Harry Hynes Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association, or the Neodesha United Methodist Church.  To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com