Joyce A. (Pancratz) Veach, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Stonehill Health Center on December 19, 2025.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 4:00 p.m. Additional visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22nd, at St. Lawrence Otter Creek Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Otter Creek with Fr. David Ambrosy officiating. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch.

Growing up on the farm with her six siblings, her parents Leroy and Inez instilled the kindness and faith Joyce was known for all her life. Her love of flower gardening, baking and cooking were talents she possessed early on, with her being the designated helper in the kitchen growing up. Her dishes were often the most sought after at family gatherings with an ongoing family dispute on which dessert was the best, twinkie cake or buster bars.

She attended Capri College and owned Joyce’s Beauty Shop for many years before becoming a teaching assistant at Hillcrest School and then retiring to her favorite job as Gramma. She was active in her church throughout her life as a CCD teacher, board member and this past year in the Seven Sisters. During her 50 years of marriage to Richard Veach, she embodied everything a mother and grandmother should be. Her children and especially her grandchildren were her most cherished gifts.

Her many treasured friendships included her Bunco Club ladies, her Card Club couples, and her church family. The “Trolls” were a beloved group of lifelong friends whose bond was formed through years of shared adventures.

Joyce will be deeply missed by her husband Richard Veach, their children Luke (Jennifer) Veach, Melanie (Josh) Schwartz, Tyler (Brandi) Veach, Wesley (Jenna) Veach, their grandchildren Claira, Ellie, Natalie, Max, Noah, Addison, Hadley and Bryn, her siblings Mary Jo (Wayne) Pancratz, Tim (Mary Kay) Pancratz, Randy (Diane) Pancratz, Judy (Craig) Wurdinger, Peggy (Dennis) Denlinger, the Veach sister/brother-in-law’s, and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Inez Pancratz, and her brother Leo Pancratz.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Dr. Engelman and his staff at Mercy Cancer Center, Hospice of Dubuque and the amazing staff at Stonehill Care Center for their excellent care.