Joyce Jean Papesh, 89, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away July 23, 2026 at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab, Vinton, IA.

Joyce was born August 22, 1936, to Albert and Alice Johnson-Jordt at the Corn Belt Hospital in Belle Plaine. In the mid-1950s, Joyce married Eugene Papesh. Together, they raised their children in Belle Plaine, where Joyce was blessed to be a stay-at-home mother.

Joyce was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching all kinds of wrestling. She loved spending time outside with her neighbors, watching the birds and listening to her wind chimes. Joyce took great pride in her home and liked to keep it clean—no dirty socks or bare feet ever made it through her front door. Above all, Joyce loved caring for others and found her greatest joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Lori) Papesh of Belle Plaine; grand-children, Jeana Papesh, Lilly (Nicholas Foster) Papesh, Elizabeth (Franky) Gallardo, Dustin Fabor, Denni Jo (Brian) Fabor-Randall, Christopher, Keith and Victor Lacina; great-grandchildren, Forest, Isabella and Franky Jr along with many more.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene (2014); children, Kathrynn Fabor (1998) and son, John (2021).

Funeral service is at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine at a later date.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family.