Parkston – Joyce Mary Mechtenberg, 97, went to her heavenly home Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Avera Bormann Manor.  Funeral mass will be Wednesday, April 2 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am and the Rosary beginning at 10:15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston.  Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.

Joyce, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication to family. She was born on January 25, 1928, to Joseph and Mary (Polries) Thury in Parkston, South Dakota. She attended country school until fourth grade and completed her elementary education at Sacred Heart Catholic School. After graduating from Parkston High School in 1945, she attended the Beauty Academy in Sioux City, IA. She later returned home to open her own beauty shop above the Corner Café. On June 30, 1947, Joyce married her high school sweetheart, John Mechtenberg, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Their 73-year marriage stood as a testament to their deep love and commitment. In 2019, they were honored as the Longest Married Couple by the South Dakota Marriage Encounter Program. In 1951, Joyce and John moved to her family farm, where they built a life rooted in hard work and hospitality. She managed their poultry operation after adding a fully automated barn to the farm in 1962. Joyce had a heart for service. As a lifetime member of the South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary Post 194, she supported veterans and served as a musician, song leader, and Girls State selection committee member. Her dedication was recognized when she was named “Woman of the Year” by the Auxiliary. She was also a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she was active in Catholic Daughters and the Altar Society, a member of the Adult Choir, served as a daily Mass lector, and as a CCD teacher. In 2001, she and John received the South Dakota Knights of Columbus Family of the Year award in recognition of their service. Joyce took pride in caring for her entire family, always making sure no one went hungry. She loved tending to her large garden—especially her flowers—and passed down her skills in cooking, baking, and sewing to her children. She created "specialty" quilts for her family members, each one a labor of love. A gifted musician, Joyce could play any song without the aid of sheet music and generously shared her talent by volunteering at nursing homes, where she played any song requested. Her many hobbies included gardening, sewing, playing the piano, crafting, crocheting cherished gifts, and enjoying card games like 66 and rummy. Joyce lived by her simple but profound motto: "Go With The Flow!"

She is survived by her loving children: Pat (Dan) Sudbeck of Dimock, SD; Janet (Joe) Groen of Randolph, NE; Judy (Scott Hicks) Carroll of Redfield, SD; Sandy Lang of McCook Lake, SD; Mary Jo Reinhardt of Bennington, NE; Tom (Alexandra) Mechtenberg of Grecia, Costa Rica; and Alan Mechtenberg of Houston, TX; Her cherished grandchildren: Dawn (Jon) Reuvers of Vermillion, SD; Jeff (Angie Armstrong) Sudbeck of Davenport, IA; Matt (Chelsey) Sudbeck of Piedmont, SD; Jenny (Brad) Higgins of Neligh, NE; Jill (James) Gregg of Omaha, NE; Stacy Carroll of Sioux Falls, SD; Chad (Jenny) Carroll of Tea, SD; Sarah (Gregory) Korman of Palm Springs, CA; Lisa Brummels of Hartington, NE; Katie (Matt) Ehlen of Edina, MN; Christine Reinhardt of Omaha, NE; Jon (Stephanie) Reinhardt of Omaha, NE; Meghan (Brock) Castinado of Omaha, NE; Matt Wagner of Chicago, IL; Melissa Mechtenberg of Grecia, Costa Rica; Mitchell Mechtenberg of Houston, TX; and Audrey Mechtenberg of Austin, TX; Her beloved great-grandchildren: Kade, Taylor, and Reid Reuvers; Carter and Ava Sudbeck; Brooke, Hunter, and Cruz Sudbeck; Rachel (Shane Beckman) Higgins and Ashton Higgins; Hailey and Caitlyn Gregg; Brayden Carroll; Nate Brummels; Piper and Mathis Ehlen; Carson and Chloe Reinhardt; Noah Castinado; and William and Joseph Wagner.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law Fran (Mary Jane) Mechtenberg and sister-in-law Joan Sommer, all from Parkston, South Dakota, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Richard; grandson, Jason Sudbeck; granddaughter, Gina (Mechtenberg) Wagner; son-in-law, Richard Reinhardt; parents, Joseph and Mary Thury; sisters, Francis Kinkade and Thecla Pape; in-laws, Frank and Marie Mechtenberg; and brothers-in-law, Leo Pape and James Sommer.

Her legacy lives on through the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the many lives she touched. Joyce will be deeply missed and forever cherished.