Joyce E. Berkenpas, age 83, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the MercyOne Medical Center, of Sioux City, Iowa.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa. Committal will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the Joyce Berkenpas Memorial Scholarship that will be offered at MVAOCOU Community Schools.
Joyce Elaine Berkenpas, the second child born to Harold C. and Ruth L. (Cottrell) Wenbourne, was born on April 19, 1941, in Correctionville, Iowa.
Growing up in Sioux City, Iowa, Joyce received her elementary education at Franklin Elementary and graduated from Leed’s High School with the class of 1959. During her high school years, Joyce participated in choir, flag twirler, talent shows, all school plays, and rooting on her school as a cheerleader. She also belonged to FHA and the Red Cross.
On February 19, 1960, Joyce married her soulmate Alden Berkenpas in Sioux Center, Iowa, after knowing him for about six weeks. After moving frequently the couple made their forever home in Mapleton, Iowa, in 1972. The couple were blessed with children Kelie, Todd, and Guy.
Joyce loved being a wife and mother. She stayed home with her children until they reached school age and then began working outside of the home. You may remember Joyce from the local drugstore downtown Mapleton or from the beautiful drapes in your home she made when she worked at Reed’s Furniture Store. Joyce had an eye for painting and wallpapering. She lent her skills locally and her work can still be admired today in local business and homes around Mapleton.
Loving the game of golf, Joyce also managed the Willow Vale Golf Course for many years. In her free time Joyce enjoyed playing Bridge, bowling, teaching country dance lessons, golfing, and a trip to the casino. Joyce loved to travel and was known as the life of the party on her numerous girls trips with her five best lifelong girlfriends. Above all Joyce cherished her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will fondly be remembered for her devotion to family and friends.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Alden Berkenpas of Mapleton, IA; children, Kelie (David) Cox of Magnolia, IA, Todd Berkenpas of Mapleton, IA, and Guy (Heather) Berkenpas of Mapleton, IA; grandchildren: Jory (Vanessa) Haken, Connor (Sara) Haken, Brooke (Sam) Blum, Todd (Stephanie) Berkenpas, Ty (Brooke) Berkenpas, Madyson Berkenpas, and Brody Berkenpas; great grandchildren: Kizer, Crozby, Ramzie, Amara, Rhett, and Evelyn Joyce; brother Mike (Bonnie) Wenbourne of Chula Vista, CA; sisters Marleen Baugous of Le Mars, IA and Patty Peterson of Wilmington, NC; brothers-in-law Carl Berkenpas of Sioux Center, IA and Merlin (Peggy) Berkenpas of Sioux City, IA; sisters-in-law Leone Eidsmoe of Sioux City, IA and Shirley Berkenpas of Rock Valley, IA; foreign exchange student Luis Cardenas; and a host of extended family and friends.
Proceeding Joyce in death are her parents Harold C. and Ruth Wenbourne; brothers-in-law William Baugous, Mike Peterson, Bob Eidsmoe, and Richard Berkenpas; sisters-in-law Barb Berkenpas and Jeanine Berkenpas.
Previous Events
Visitation
9
Mar
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Funeral Service
10
Mar
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Cemetery Details
Location
Mapleton, Iowa
