Joyce Koehler

Joyce Elaine (Speer) Koehler was born on May 25, 1940, near Patterson, Iowa, in the home of her maternal grandparents—a place that reflected the strong family ties that would shape her life. She was the daughter of Ernest B. Speer and Mina I. (Quick) Speer. Joyce passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at the age of 85, at The Village in Indianola, where she had made her home since 2012.

Joyce held dear the memories of her childhood spent on farms near Patterson, surrounded by both sets of grandparents, along with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. Those early years instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, faith, and community. She was active in the Patterson Methodist Church and proudly participated in the Crawford Flying 4-H’ers 4-H Club. A dedicated and gifted student, she graduated from Patterson High School in 1957 as valedictorian of her class. Following graduation, she enrolled at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa, where she completed a secretarial course in 1958.

On April 20, 1960, Joyce married the love of her life, Michael A. Koehler, at the Patterson
Methodist Church. Together they shared nearly 36 years of marriage, building a life rooted in mutual devotion, companionship, and shared experiences, until Mike’s passing in 1996.

After living briefly in Winterset and Martensdale, Iowa, Joyce and Mike made their home in Indianola in 1970. Joyce began her long and respected career with Hawkeye-Security
Insurance Company in Des Moines in 1958. With the exception of a year and a half when she and Mike lived in California and Missouri—where she worked in law offices—she remained with Hawkeye-Security throughout her professional life. Known for her reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail, Joyce retired in 2002 as an executive secretary to senior management after 42 years of dedicated service to the property and casualty insurance company.

Joyce and Mike especially enjoyed their summer vacations boating on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, creating memories they both cherished. Joyce found joy in sewing, quilting, and dancing, and in later years she rediscovered her love of music by reviving her organ-playing skills. Music remained a meaningful and comforting part of her life. She was a faithful and active member of the Indianola First United Methodist Church, where she participated in the United Women’s Elizabeth-Ruth Circle and the World Day of Prayer. Joyce also loved to travel and explore, taking memorable trips throughout the western United States, as well as to Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Australia, and New Zealand.

During her years at The Village, Joyce was known for her warm smile and welcoming spirit. She served as a “Greeter” to new residents on the third floor for several years, helping others feel at home. She also served on the committee that updated the Resident Directory, where her excellent proofreading skills and careful attention to detail were greatly appreciated.

Joyce is survived by her brother, Wayne Speer; her sister, Marilyn Tibben; her brother-in-law, Dennis Koehler; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who will remember her kindness, quiet strength, and gentle sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael “Mike” Koehler; her parents; her maternal grandparents, Everett and Flora (Potter) Quick; her paternal grandparents, Otis and Nellie (Bland) Speer; her in-laws, Charles and Vancine (Barr) Koehler; her sister-in-law, LaDonna (Brown) Speer; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Diana (Koehler) Backmann; and her brother-in-law, Frank Tibben.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to her cousin, Sally Speer, whose loving care, devotion, and steady presence brought Joyce comfort and peace over many years, and especially during her final four months. Her kindness and selfless support meant more than words can express, and the family remains deeply grateful.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Indianola First United Methodist Church. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, prior to services. Burial of the cremains will follow at Montpelier Cemetery north of Patterson, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Indianola First United Methodist Church, or Iowa PBS.