Joyce Scharnweber, 67

November 8, 1956 -

August 17, 2024

 

CRESCO - Joyce Scharnweber, 67, of Cresco, IA, passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Born on November 8, 1956, to Donald and Ann (Kleve) Scharnweber in Cresco, Joyce graduated from Crestwood High School in 1974. A devoted mother, Joyce cherished her role in the lives of her two sons, Aaron and Edward. She took immense joy in attending her grandkids' soccer games and guitar performances, fishing with her family, and cheering on the Minnesota United and Iowa Hawkeyes, but most of all, enjoying a story or a laugh with those she encountered.

Returning to Cresco in 1981, Joyce worked for several local businesses before joining the Howard County Farm Service Agency in 1986 where she dedicated 35 years before retiring as manager in 2022.  Her interactions with local farmers were a source of great joy and reflected the passion that she worked to serve the local farming community with.  Her appreciation for common sense, hard work, and simplicity were defining traits of her character.

As a third generation Iowa Hawkeye fan, Joyce embraced the good-natured spirit of sports loyalties, and accepted Iowa State and Minnesota fans with a firm understanding that someone needed to be kind to those folks given the amount of disappointment in they’ve been forced to endure.

Joyce had a passion for gardening, and over the years, developed a technique that can only be described as “native prairie restoration”, earning her the affectionate title of “professional amateur-ish gardener.” Not one to be easily discouraged, her projects were always approached with a spirit of enthusiasm.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Aaron (Resham) Scharnweber and Edward (Kathryn) Scharnweber, and her beloved grandchildren, Soren and Isla. She is also survived by her siblings, Mark (Gloria) Scharnweber and Jane (Lloyd) Johnson, as well as nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Ann Scharnweber.

Joyce’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her selfless legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.

Visitation for Joyce were held at Schmelzer Funeral Homes (formerly Lindstrom) from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Friday, August 23rd with a celebration of life following at The Place in Protovin from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Schmelzer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.