In loving memory of

Helen "Joyce" Hansen
February 25, 1927 - April 4, 2014

Helen Joyce, daughter of Paul and Amy (Walker) Griffith, was born February 25, 1927, at McCook, NE. The family moved to Elk Horn, IA when she was young, and Joyce attended rural schools in the area. She graduated from Elk Horn High School. On August 26, 1945, Joyce was united in marriage with Paul Hansen at Omaha, NE. They made their home in Elk Horn and raised five children together. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Joyce worked at the Elk Horn post office as well as working with her husband as the editor of the Elk Horn/Kimballton Review newspaper until their retirement in the late 1980's. Joyce enjoyed reading and quilting in her spare time. She was a member of the Elk Horn Lutheran Church and a faithful participant in bible study groups. Joyce's health suffered from the effects of a stroke, and she spent time at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn. She died on Friday, April 4, 2014, at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, IA, at the age of 87 years, 1 month and 10 days. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mary Cox; brothers-in-law Kirk Hansen and Kenneth Hansen; and Kenneth's first wife Betty. She is survived by her husband of 68 years Paul Hansen of Elk Horn; five children: Susan Hansen, Kimballton; Linda Ballantyne (Jim), Boone; Benjamin Hansen (Michaela), Munich, Germany; Jung Hansen, Medford, OR; and Mark Hansen (Monica), Minneapolis, MN; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; five siblings: Alice Hansen, Mesa, AZ; Carol McNair (Robert DeVoe), Ashland, OR; Jane Wittrup, Albuquerque, NM; John Griffith (Rita), Seattle, WA; Gene Griffith (Laura), Sonoma, CA; brothers-in-law Ronnie Cox, VanNuys, CA, and Joe Hansen (Rose Jean), Des Moines; sister-in-law Jill Hansen, Omaha, NE; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Jackson Family wrote on Apr 10, 2014:

"Please accept our deepest sympathy. May the constant love of family and friends helps you to endure this great loss. ( Isaiah 25:8)"

Craig & Wendy Poldberg wrote on Apr 7, 2014:

"Ben and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this most difficult times."

Marilyn Heard wrote on Apr 7, 2014:

"To Joyce's family, Sonya emailed me about Joyce. I am cousin, as Joyce's mom and my dad were siblings. I always enjoyed seeing Joyce when we came to Iowa. I live in Oregon. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love, Marilyn"

Jill Hansen wrote on Apr 6, 2014:

"My sister-in-law Joyce inspired me with her honesty, compassion and deep religious faith. She was a great help to me. We usually talked on the phone about once a week during the time of my husband Ken's illness and after his death. I will miss her very much. Jill"

Ted & Wanda Wiemann wrote on Apr 5, 2014:

"We remember some wonderful times with Paul and Joyce while we lived at Elk Horn for 8 years. Wonderful couple. A"

Janet Peitersen Schroeder wrote on Apr 5, 2014:

"Paul and family. I am so sorry to hear Joyce is gone; Sonya just let me know. I am glad we got to visit with you two last October. You will be in my prayers as I won't be there for the service. Love, Janet"

Clark Christensen wrote on Apr 5, 2014:

"Ben and family, Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you in this difficult time. Certainly hard watching our parents pass but also thankful they suffer no more. God Bless Clark Christensen"

bonnie palmer wrote on Apr 5, 2014:

"Susan and family: Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. May you find comfort in the memories you have shared."