Joyce A. Mitzel

Joyce A. Mitzel, age 80, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Public services will be held at a later date.

Joyce was born October 1940 to George and Dorothy Welcke and was the youngest of four children. She graduated from St Mary Catholic Grade School and Le Center High School in 1958. Joyce married Del Mitzel in April 1959 in Le Center. They lived in Marshall, MN, Minneapolis, MN, Richfield, MN, Burnsville, MN, and Owatonna, MN. Joyce was a housewife and raised her children. When her children were younger, she helped at their grade school. When they reached junior high, she started working at handling Medicare claims for Blue Cross Insurance Company and continued doing that for 20 years. When they moved to Owatonna, Joyce worked part-time in a dentist’s office. She continued to do that until Del retired in November 1996. They then spent their winter months in Arizona for the next 17 years.

Joyce always loved playing with young children. During much of her life she was very active helping young people and enjoying life. She was an avid swimmer, and cross country and downhill skier until she and Del started going to Arizona. She enjoyed traveling, hiking, playing bridge, and doing puzzles. She was also involved in Toastmasters and was a club speaker. In 2004 she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and became a cancer survivor. She started having issues with Alzheimer’s Dementia and became totally disabled 2009. She entered the Dells Nursing Home in July of 2013 where she remained until her death. Joyce remained very joyful and positive to the end. She was so grateful for her roommate Grace Entringer for 6 plus years.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parent; brother, George; and her sister, Elizabeth. She is survived by her husband, Del; son, Charles (wife Diane); daughter, Diane Herman; four grandchildren; many brother and sisters in law and cousins.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center for all their wonderful help.

A Memorial Mass will be held when it is safe to do so.