Joyce Karr, 73, of Denver, IA, formerly of Waterloo, died at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital on Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

Joyce Irene Jorgenson was born on September 14, 1945, to Raymond and Irene (Brickman) Jorgenson. She was the second oldest of four girls. She attended school in Waterloo, graduating from West High School in 1963.

In 1965, Joyce married Roger Karr. On May 9, 2019, they celebrated their 54th anniversary. They had two children, Angela and Chad. During their years together, Roger and Joyce bought, renovated and redecorated several houses in Waterloo before building a new home in Denver in 1994. In the late 70’s Joyce operated The Rocking Horse, a place where people could purchase painting supplies and take classes. She was a talented painter and enjoyed making gifts for people. She also liked to “collect” craft supplies.

Joyce started a family reunion she called the Karr Kampout in 1975. This tradition is still going strong and is attended by 50-60 Karr family members annually. She took it upon herself to “make-up” several games and events each year to keep things exciting. This gathering has forged bonds between four generations of Karrs.

Joyce was proud of her grandchildren and supported them in many ways. In the past year she attended the marriage of her grandson, Mitchell, to his wife, Samantha. She assisted Melissa in her eighth-grade classroom and was an instant favorite with her students. In May she attended the college graduation of Ellie and the high school graduation of Nicholas.

Faith was important to Joyce. In September of 2014, she wrote, “I believe I am saved and will someday be in heaven. I am not frightened of death.” Throughout the years she used her creative abilities to help bring others to the Lord. She developed many Vacation Bible School themes, songs and characters while a member of Grace Lutheran. She helped spearhead Camp VBS at Ascension Lutheran, a great opportunity for children third to sixth grade. She was active on many church boards and enjoyed being a part of a bible study with her close friends that met for nearly 30 years.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Roger; a daughter, Angela (Trevor) Holman of Denver’ IA; a son, Chad (Holly) Karr of Waterloo’ IA; four grandchildren: Mitchell (Samantha) Karr, Melissa Siglin, Ellie Karr and Nicholas Holman; two sisters, Jane Miller of Lampasas, TX, and Jacqueline “Jackie” Jorgenson of Blair, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joan Wolf.