Nancy Nechanicky Joan Joens

Nancy Joan Nechanicky was born April 13, 1942, in Waterloo, IA the first of two children to Marcel and Josephine (Libra) Nechanicky. She grew up on the family farm helping her parents outside with the chickens, cream separating, and baling hay in addition to housework including dusting, cooking, and baking.

Throughout her childhood, she was active in 4-H, winning a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for an angel food cake when she was 10 years old. She enjoyed sewing and was selected to go to the National Club Congress in Chicago as a teen, where she was gifted a set of WISS scissors that she treasured. Nancy also participated in school activities including 6-girl basketball, band, and playing saxophone. She graduated from Geneseo Consolidated School in Buckingham, IA in 1960 and then went on to nursing school at St. Mary's in Rochester, MN where she graduated with her RN degree in 1963. After graduating, Nancy went to work at the University of Minnesota Hospital in the pediatrics department where after her first year, she became the head nurse.

She married David Joens on July 2, 1966, at Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Blessing, Iowa. Nancy had two children Susan and Mike and then started a new career with an in-home daycare which she operated for 35 years. She was also very involved in her children's lives which included serving as their 4-H co-leader in the local club.

During her adult life, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, and collecting black walnuts to use in baking. Her greatest joy was quilting…once the quilting bug bit her, she created many beautiful quilts that have been widely shared and are greatly cherished by all who have been a recipient.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 58 years, David of Minnetonka, MN; children Susan (Mike Weber) of Toeterville, IA and Michael (Lisa Duchene) of Zimmerman, MN; brother Mark (Joleen) Nechanicky of Buckingham, IA; brothers-in-law Bill (Jeanette) Joens of Fort Collins, CO; and Bob (Diane) Joens of Riceville, IA; Aunt Betty Musich of Ely, MN as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 16 with visitation one hour prior at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Community, 13505 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Graveside Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024 at the West View Cemetery in La Porte City, Iowa. Locke in La Porte City is assisting family with local services 319-342-3131.