Joyce Iowa Van Pilsum

Joyce Iowa Van Pilsum, of Prairie City, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Peter and Vera Van Pilsum, and brother John Franklin Van Pilsum.

Joyce loved the state for which she was named, her family, and the farm her grandparents started more than a century ago. She was fiercely intelligent and independent. We will miss her lively conversations and her beautiful laugh. Joyce taught her 6 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and great nephews the importance of respecting the land, caring for family, and using proper table manners.

Joyce was born in the family farmhouse in Prairie City. She graduated from Prairie City High School and the University of Iowa, where she studied classical music. She enjoyed a decades-long career at Iowa State University in Ames, including as administrator to the University president. After retiring, she returned to Prairie City and devoted herself to the family farm that she dearly loved.

Joyce is survived by nephews John R. and William (Theresa) Van Pilsum and nieces Patricia (Paul), Barbara (Tom), Mary (Mike), and Elizabeth, and by her great nieces, great nephews, and close friends.

Joyce will be interred alongside her parents following a graveside memorial service at the Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City, Saturday, June 3, at 1 pm. Memorials preferred to University of Iowa School of Music.