After a brief and courageous battle with cancer, Joyce Zimmerman, 80, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13 at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Vermillion, South Dakota with burial to follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery in Winside. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at the church.
Arrangements are with HansenFuneralHome.com.
The family requests memorials, which will be used for educational scholarships in Joyce’s name to continue her legacy and love of learning.
Joyce Pauline Dangberg was born Jan. 29, 1944, to Henry and Edna (Swanson) Dangberg in Wayne. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where her faith became the foundation of her life. Joyce began her education attending kindergarten through eighth grade in a small country schoolhouse. Later, she graduated from Wayne High School, and continued her studies at Wayne State College, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.
Joyce devoted 44 years of her life to teaching, touching countless lives through her passion for education. She taught in various locations and approached every student as if they were her own, leaving an everlasting mark on the hearts of her pupils. Her dedication to her students remained one of her proudest accomplishments.
In addition to her teaching career, Joyce found another community in her 38 years at Hy-Vee in Vermillion, South Dakota. Whether helping a customer or sharing a warm smile, Joyce went above and beyond to brighten the day of those around her. Her work at Hy-Vee wasn’t just a job—it was an extension of her love for people.
Joyce lived by the philosophy that staying active kept you young. Whether it was embarking on a vacation, attending Bible study, joining the retired teachers’ luncheons, or cheering on her grandchildren at their activities, Joyce was always on the move. She embraced every opportunity for adventure and radiated enthusiasm for life’s simple joys.
Joyce’s legacy of love, laughter, and adventure lives on in her family: her daughters, Nadyne (James) Walker, Nicki (Rick) Manero, Heidi (Paul) Johnston, and her special friend, Ron Maranell; her grandchildren include Staci (Joby) Wuestewald, Shelby (Robert) Hanson, Shandra Hanson, Samuel Hanson, Bailey Zimmerman, Keegan Johnston, and Ditto Manero. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Jordan, Jaxson, and Josie Wuestewald, as well as Raiden and Levi Clay.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edna, and her aunts: Rose, Elsie, Lillie, Gerthy, and Mildred, along with first cousin, Charlene Johnson.
Joyce’s life was so much more than words can capture. Her stories, lessons, and laughter will continue to be shared as her family works to fill the immense void her passing has left. She asked that we carry forward three simple but profound messages:
Treat others as you wish to be treated; always keep your faith; and a full cup of coffee can solve all your issues.
