Joyce Osterkamp, 81, of Center Junction, died Friday, May 26, 2023, at her home with her children at her side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello. Rev. Wade Reddy will officiate. Burial will be in Wayne Zion Lutheran Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 8:30 am to the time of service at the church. Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, stories and condolences with them.

Joyce Antoinette Dirks was born June 17, 1941, in Monticello, IA, the daughter of Rhinehart and Elsie (Antons) Dirks. She attended school in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School, in the Class of 1959. On May 21, 1960, she was united in marriage to William Osterkamp at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. He died in 2011. She worked at Collins Radio, Doerr Electric, and Julin Printing. She also helped run the company she owned with her husband, Osterkamp Plumbing and Heating, all while raising her family.

She enjoyed gardening, collecting jewelry, listening to country music, the Thursday outings to garage sales and flea markets, Monday Night Wine and TV with her daughters, canning, making jelly, jam, pickles, egg noodles, and pies – rhubarb being the most coveted. She was a woman possessing a deep abiding faith, who being selfless, always sought to help those around her. Above all these things she loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them.

She is survived by her children Dean (Sherrie) Osterkamp, Lisa (Brad) Wherry, both of Wyoming, Annette (Steve) Schau, Anamosa, Kevin (Stacy) Osterkamp, Onslow, and Keith Osterkamp, Center Junction, grandchildren Brandi (Nick) Boge, Katie (Drew) Glenn, Will Schau, Isaac (Alex Lepsch) Schau, Gavin (Sabrina Hendley) Wherry, Ethan (Alaina) Wherry, Alden (Kurtis Hartsock) Osterkamp, Tyler Osterkamp, Trae Osterkamp, Ella (Austin Smith) Osterkamp, Tait Osterkamp, and Kessley Osterkamp, 13 great-grandchildren, a great-grandchild due in August, her siblings Lois (Henry) Poppe and Melvin (Janis) Dirks, as well as by several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Marilyn, and a sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Tony Gravel.

Joyce's family wishes to thank everyone at Above and Beyond Hospice, especially Lindsay Brownell, and Pastor Wade for the wonderful medical and spiritual care she received.