Joyce Krafka

Joyce Ann Krafka, age 71, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away March 16, 2017.  By her side was her loyal, devoted and caring  guardian Marye Franzen and her husband Larry.  A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Joyce Ann was born on November 8, 1945 to Walter and Elizabeth (Martin) Krafka in Ottumwa, Iowa. When she was twelve years old, she moved to Beatrice, Nebraska in 1958 to enroll in the Martin Luther Home and School.  She stayed there as a year-around student until she was eighteen.  At that time she was placed in a job at the hospital in Gothenburg, Nebraska.  She was employed there for many years showing care and compassion to all the patients.  She then resided at the group home Parkview.  While there she worked at the Building Blocks Childcare and Preschool.

She is loved, missed and remembered by multitudes of family and friends whom she touched, challenged, amused and inspired.  For a Down's Syndrome disabled person, she functioned at the high end of the continuum.  Living to the age of 71 was close to the Guinness Book of Records for the life expectancy of Down Syndrome at 74.  She will remembered for her devotion to God, Christ and the Bible.  She attended The American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg and at one time was a member of the Bell Choir.

Her family is very grateful for all the care and support she received from the wonderful doctors and staff at Hilltop Estates Nursing Home.

She is survived by her brother Dick Krafka (Ernestine) of Reeds Spring, Missouri, her sister Janet "Fritz" Rohrer (Ed) of Atlanta, Georgia,
four nieces, one nephew, three great nieces and five great nephews.

Memorials may be made in her name to The American Lutheran Church, Hilltop Estates or Mosaic School in Beatrice, Nebraska (formerly Martin Luther Home and School)