Joyce Ohlsen

Hastings resident, Joyce H. Ohlsen, 87, passed away Friday, November 7, 2014 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be Friday, November 14, 2014; 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Pastor Don Canady officiating. Book signing will be Thursday, November 13, 2014; 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church or Hastings Public Library.

Joyce was born January 30, 1927 in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of H.C. "Bud" Havemann and Annetta (TeStrake) Havemann. At age three, she moved with her parents to Muscatine, Iowa. She graduated from Muscatine High School with the class of 1944 and from Muscatine Junior College in 1946. She attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. In 1947, Joyce married John E. "Jack" Ohlsen of Muscatine, Iowa. They moved to Hastings, Nebraska in June 1950. Joyce was active in PTA, becoming president of Morton Elementary PTA and an honorary lifetime member. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, serving as church school teacher and as youth sponsor for many years with her husband, John. She was an honorary member of the Presbyterian Women's Association, serving as Circle leader and literature chairperson. She also served as an Elder and on the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry. Joyce and John were active in Stephen Ministries, and she was the church librarian for five years. Joyce was a member of Chapter GK P.E.O., Round Table book club, and Fish Fry. Joyce loved gardening, cooking, and reading. She will be remembered for innumerable kindnesses extended to friends, acquaintances, and family.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven in 1998; and husband, John in 2006.

SURVIVORS:
Son & Daughter-in-law:
Greg & Kathy Ohlsen - Utica, NE
Daughter-in-law:
Lana Ohlsen - West Des Moines, IA
Grandchildren & Spouse:
Eric & Sarah Ohlsen - Portland, OR
Lauren Ohlsen - Omaha, NE
Katie Ohlsen Avise - Clive, IA
Great-Grandchild:
Dylan Steven Avise