W. Joyce Riechers, age 88 of Dubuque, Iowa formerly of Darlington passed away Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at Luther Manor in Dubuque. She was born Jan. 4, 1930 in Terry, Mont. the daughter of Victor and Elsie (Hatten) Edwards. Joyce received her high school diploma and attended college at the University of Wisconsin Platteville for a year. She was united in marriage to Dean E. Riechers on Aug. 25, 1948 at Bloomington Methodist Church in Bloomington. Joyce was born and lived in Montana until moving to Bloomington at the age of 10 where she lived until graduating from high school. While attending school at UW-Platteville she met her husband and moved to the farm in rural Belmont where they worked and raised their family.
    Joyce is survived by her children: Rita Johnson of Stoughton and Ray Riechers of Madison; a daughter-in-law: Carla (Tom) Juergens of Dubuque, Iowa; four grandchildren: Jennifer Johnson, Jason Johnson, Danielle (Jim) Bockenstedt, and Mellissa Riechers; great-grandchildren: Nic Hill, Atlanta Wilson, Jamie Wilson, and Alexis Riechers; one great-great-grandson Packer Wilson one brother-in-law: Robert Sherman of Powel, WY; and a sister-in-law: Kathy Edwards of Bloomington.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dean in 2013; two sons: Roy Riechers in infancy and David Riechers in 1981; a brother: Fred Edwards; a sister: Jean Sherman; and a son-in-law: Eugene Johnson.
    Joyce was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont where she was also part of the Women’s Guild and taught Sunday School. She was a 4H Leader for many years and was very active in the Lafayette County Homemakers Club. In 1977, Joyce and Dean decided to join the Peace Corp where they traveled to Fiji. She enjoyed quilting, photography, crocheting, oil painting, gardening, and cooking. She also loved playing cards, bowling and riding the motorcycle alongside her husband. Joyce will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
    A visitation for Joyce was held Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington). A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
    For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Joyce’s name.