Joyce M. Kanengieter

Little Rock, Iowa          CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL SERVICE

  Joyce Kanengieter age 85 of Little Rock, IA, died Friday, February 21, 2025 at Sanford Hospital in Sheldon, IA. 

  Visitation will be on Monday, February 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with the family present at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA.

  Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 25th at Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, with Pastor Daniel Stanley officiating.

  Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Little Rock.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. 

     Joyce Mary (DeBoer) Kanengieter was born on September 20, 1939, in Ellsworth, MN, the daughter of Jake and Bena (Huisman) DeBoer. She was the youngest of six children, welcomed by her older siblings, Elmer, Alma, Pearl, Betty. and Kenneth. Growing up on a farm outside of Little Rock, IA, Joyce was raised with a strong German heritage. Joyce graduated from Little Rock High School in 1957. She continued her education at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA where she earned her certificate in early elementary education. She later earned her Bachelor’s degree.

      Everon and Joyce met in high school and were united in marriage on June 30. 1961, at Bethel Reformed Church near Ellsworth, MN. She then taught at Little Rock Elementary School, until her daughters Hope and Holly were born. She then stayed home to raise her family. Joyce later returned to teaching in Bigelow, MN and then at Little Rock Elementary school for 26 years. After retirement, Joyce taught pre-school and substituted for many more years.

     Family was always a priority for Joyce. She never missed an opportunity to prepare meals for family, go on special trips, send cards for all occasions, and support her grandkids at their events. Joyce was also a dedicated elementary school teacher. Her kind and caring nature made her a favorite among students. Outside of the classroom, Joyce was deeply involved in her church and community. She enjoyed participating in and directing many choirs and cantatas. In her free time, Joyce could be found tending to her flowers, feeding the birds, shopping, playing cards with friends, or reading.  Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her warm presence will be deeply missed by all who know her.  

      She leaves behind her husband, Everon Kanengieter of Sheldon, IA; two daughters, Hope (Randy) Wiertsema of Rushmore, MN and Holly (Rich) Kanengieter-Stemper of Decorah, IA; five grandchildren, Kelsey (Reid) Geerdes and their children Gracie and Grady of George, IA; Katlin (Marty) Van Peursem and their children Hadley and Crosby of Sheldon, IA; Ross Wiertsema (Fiancé Leah DiPipo) of Rushmore, MN, Emmit and Mitchell Stemper of Decorah, IA; one brother-in-law Andrew Kanengieter; two sisters in law, Arlene Rickbaugh and Erma Winter; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. 

      She was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Bena DeBoer; two brothers, Elmer and Kenneth DeBoer; three sisters, Alma Drenth, Pearl Korthals and Betty Block.