Joyce Sunkenberg

     Joyce Sunkenberg, age 96 passed away April 17, 2024.  Lula Joyce Booth was born April 14, 1928 in Cleghorn, Iowa, the daughter of James E. Booth and Della Marie McFaddon, and was raised by Charlotte K. McFadden Booth.  Joyce spent her early childhood in the Cherokee area.  Later the family moved to the Peterson area.

      Joyce married Russell Story in June of 1945.  To this marriage were born two children, Katherine Anna and Russell Albert.   Joyce married Everett Sunkenberg, June 29, 1964 at the Little Brown Church near Nashua, Iowa.  They were attended by Everett’s two children, Janice and Allen.

     Joyce was employed for many years in Spencer grocery stores and the Pamida Discount Store, where she helped set up the stores at Spirit Lake and Sheldon.   She also worked as the hotel desk clerk at the Tangney Hotel.  She was a member and past president of the Spencer Eagles Auxiliary.

     Joyce and Everett moved to Mesa, Arizona due to Everett’s health.  She was employed by the Phoenix Zoo until she became disabled due to an automobile accident.  Joyce and Everett later moved to Kearny, Arizona where she volunteered at the Hand-Me-Up Shop for the local hospital.  She was president of the local senior citizens club, a member of Pythian Sisters and their Arizona beautification committee.  She instigated for block watch in their community as well as food distribution for the needy.  Joyce loved to play Bingo.

     Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett; daughter, Katherine Podhajsky; five brothers and one sister.  She is survived by her son, Russell Story and his wife, Carol; son-in-law, Duane Podhajsky; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.