Joyce Krug

Joyce Krug passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 21, 2024, following a brief illness. She was born on January 22, 1948 in Lake City, Iowa, to Leonard and Kathryn Somers. Joyce grew up in the quintessential small Iowa town of Lohrville; she spent her childhood riding horses with her sister Joni, ice skating with friends during the winter, sewing with her mother and helping her dad at his barber shop.

Joyce graduated from Lohrville High School and then worked as a medical secretary. She later worked as the school secretary at Bondurant-Farrar High School and was a 4-H leader for more than a decade.

Joyce married Jim Krug on June 9, 1968. Together they built a life spanning three states that began at Pammel Court at Iowa State University. They created deep friendships at each of their stops including Lexington, Kentucky; Fort Dodge, Eagle Grove, Ankeny, Bondurant, Quincy, Illinois; and finally landing back in Ames. On their Bondurant acreage, they raised three children and a myriad of sheep, pigs, horses and pets.

Joyce and Jim spent 57 years together. They loved to travel and spend time with friends, visiting places from Hilton Head to Mexico to Ireland. They frequented Iowa State wrestling meets and basketball games and loved the Iowa State Fair. They were the best of friends.

An outgoing spirit, Joyce never stopped learning or challenging herself. As a teenager, she diligently practiced the flute. As an adult, she became a master gardener and took Spanish classes at Iowa State. Joyce researched everything from castles to genealogy.

Joyce finished every crossword puzzle she started and could pull out the most obscure Jeopardy clue. A lifelong reader, Joyce read more than fifty books a year and loved her neighborhood book club. She passed along her love of reading to her kids and grandchildren.

An accomplished artist, Joyce painted landscapes and loved capturing rural Iowa. She would often spot a great barn on a drive and ask Jim to turn around so she could capture a photo. She found beauty in things most people don’t even notice, often noting what type of birds were singing.

Joyce’s love for her family and friends was the heart of who she was and how she led her life. She always had freshly-baked cookies for her grandkids, sewed outfits for them and knit Christmas stockings and blankets. Joyce loved trail riding and having coffee with friends. She gave people her complete attention. She made them feel seen. That’s because not only did she find the beauty through her art and in nature, but she also found the beauty in all people.

Joyce is survived by her husband Jim; three children and their spouses, Kyle Krug (Heather), Holly Watters (Matt) and Jamee Blahauvietz (Scott); seven grandchildren Rachel Watters, Nicole Felix (Marky), Allison Watters, Addysen Blahauvietz, Aimee Blahauvietz, Franklin McNair and George McNair. As well as many extended family members and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 1pm-4pm on Sunday, June 30 at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1 at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Reiman Gardens or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Online condolences may be left for Joyce’s family at www.adamssoderstrum.com

Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.