Joyce Irene (Houwen) Tjaden was born on July 28, 1940, in Matlock, Iowa, to Herman and Irene (Sleutel) Houwen. She grew up to live a life filled with love, family, and service. She attended public schools in Sibley, Iowa. Following her education, Joyce worked as a waitress at Glenn's Café.

On September 7, 1957, Joyce married the love of her life, Merlin Leroy Tjaden in Sibley, Iowa. Together, they raised their family of six children in Sibley. Joyce enjoyed being active with her kids and quickly volunteered as a Cub Scout leader.

Joyce worked for various employers throughout the years, including Priebe Egg Processing, Campbell Soup Co., Krogman Café, Pizza Hut, and Ben Franklin Stores. She also sold Avon products. Joyce cherished children, and for years operated her own daycare. She then went to work for Rupiper Hardware. In 1979, Joyce and Merlin opened Tjaden Laundromat. In addition to operating and maintaining the laundromat, she provided laundry services for several businesses. Prior to her retirement, she worked at Bright Beginnings Daycare, where she enjoyed daily interaction with the kids.

A devoted member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Joyce volunteered for numerous activities and was a proud member of Catholic Daughters. Her creative spirit shone through in her beautiful porcelain dolls, crafted with love for each of her granddaughters.

Although she maintained a strong work ethic throughout the years, she also took time to enjoy life.  She enjoyed bowling, having coffee with friends, and square dancing with Merlin. Each summer, the family would go camping. Many family vacations became camping adventures. She cherished spending time with family sitting around campfires, fishing, and swimming.  Following Merlin's death on February 13, 2009, Joyce continued to live life to the fullest, traveling with friends and surrounding herself with loved ones.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Dan (Terri) Tjaden, Ken "Bubba" (Sharalyn) Tjaden, Janet (Scott) Johnson, Daryl (Sharon) Tjaden, and Bob (Stephanie) Tjaden; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Ron; her parents; two sisters, and two brothers.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30am Monday, December 30, 2024, at the St. Andrew Catholic Church, Sibley, Iowa. Interment will be held at the St. Andrew Cemetery, Sibley. Jurrens Funeral Home will be directing Joyce's service.