Joyce A. Huseman

Joyce A. (Baumhover) Huseman, 77, of Dubuque passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Hawkeye Care Center. She was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on the day Don, the love of her life, was laid to rest.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2017 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, 1240 Rush St. in Dubuque with Fr. Gabriel Anderson officiating. Burial will be held at Mount Calvary following the mass. Friends may call from 1–4 p.m., on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Leonard Funeral Home, 2595 Rockdale Road where the wake service will be at 4 p.m. Family and friends may also visit after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church until time of mass.

Joyce was born August 8, 1939 in Dubuque, the daughter of Donald and Olive (Roth) Baumhover.

She married Gerald Kirchberg in 1960. Surviving are their daughter Ann Smith of Ft. Wayne, IN and grandchildren, Shantel Hoyle, Niccita, Eric and Nathan Smith.

She later married Donald W. Huseman on December 3, 1988 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Dubuque. His 5 children survive including; Donna (Joe) Schroeder of Cuba City, WI, Karla (Frank) Shepherd of Dubuque, Wayne (Dora) Huseman of Holland, IA, Kenny (Shelly) Huseman of Dubuque and Ted (Jean) Huseman of North Aurora, IL; grandchildren, Rick Heiderscheit, Barb Cox, Kim Donovan, Tina Siefken, Amy, Frank Jr. and Kevin Shepherd, Audrey Accola, Kristy Wise, Brooke Carroll, Lindsey Hines, Chrystal Blauvelt, Amber Lee, Staci, Brad and Jillian Huseman.

Together they are survived by 33 great-grandchildren with another arriving in 2017, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Joyce was admired for her strong work ethic and commitment. While earning her degree in Education from Clarke College, she owned and managed the Bottle Stop Tap, along with working at Kresge’s Store.

Joyce had a long career dedicated to influencing and helping the lives of others. She taught at St. Anthony’s and Holy Ghost schools, also serving as Assistant Principal. She was employed at East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) where she retired as the Director of Employment and Training Programs. Joyce received many awards including special recognition from the State and US Government for the record amount of people employed under her program.

Joyce was a long time member of the Eagles Club where she met Don. She traveled with Friendship Force, an organization committed to building a more peaceful world. She initiated and directed many charities including her involvement with Beginning Experience and Knights of the Square Table. She was highly involved with various parishes and devoted her time by volunteering on numerous committees. She was a Eucharistic Minister and faithfully served in the Power of Prayer ministry. Joyce and Don joined St. Columbkille’s parish after the closing of St Mary’s. She sang in many churches and was the Choir Director at Trophy Gardens Church while wintering for 19 years with Don in southern Texas. She also taught English as a second language to a class of students. Don and Joyce gave their time and talent to help many families with food, shelter and clothing during their time in that area.

Joyce was a talented artist.  She enjoyed crafting, card making, stamping, weaving, and leather working. In her 60’s, she discovered a long hidden talent for painting. Some of her creations will be on display at the visitation. She leaves a beautiful legacy of artwork that her family will treasure forever.

She was preceded in death by Don, her loving husband of 28 years. Also preceding her in death are her parents, a brother Ronald Baumhover and his wife Mary.

The family is forever grateful to their sister Karla for her incredible love and devotion to Joyce’s care during her journey with Alzheimer’s. The family would like to also thank the kind-hearted staff at Shady Rest Care Center (Jennifer), Hawkeye Care Center (Sue) and Hospice of Dubuque (Amy, Barb, Jeanette, and Elizabeth) for their care and compassion.

The family requests no flowers.

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