Joyce E. Vallet, age 82, of Dubuque, IA, floated peacefully into the ether on September 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends, her husband and children whispering their love and gratitude to her as she transitioned. No services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joyce’s family.

Joyce was born on July 8, 1943, in Clinton, IA, daughter to Christopher and Florence (Edens) Ketelsen. The many who loved her best, however, will know her by Flowers, a nickname given to her by her husband, George Vallet, Jr. (better known as Deco), early in their relationship.

Flowers lived a life deeply rooted in love and community. She married Deco on September 16, 1962, recently celebrating 63 years together. Together, they were one-half of Vallet Food Service, a business they owned and operated for more than 30 years. They loved each other through every happiness and hardship, building a family and life in the Midwest (except for Winters after they retired when they fled to the South).

She listened more than she talked, and was quick with both encouragement and a reminder that she believed in you. She saw the best in everyone she met, and had a sincere and gentle curiosity that allowed for easy connection with others. She lived with her heart wide open and ended most every conversation with “I love you,” never missing an opportunity to let friends and family know how important they were to her.

Her three grandchildren were her entire heart. She loved them endlessly and unconditionally, cheering them on and lifting them up. Some of her greatest joy came from watching them grow up and pursue their own interests and passions. “BIRTHDAY IDEAS!!!,” “I miss you!,” and heart emojis were common, frequent texts between them. 

She waited patiently for the orioles and hummingbirds to come back every year, fed the deer, raccoons and squirrels who visited her backyard, and loved working in her garden, where she tried to keep a Gardenia plant alive every year (and often succeeded until she tried to overwinter them inside!)

Her own experience helping run a family business made her especially loyal to locally owned businesses, like Big Apple Bagel, where she started almost every morning with a cinnamon crunch bagel and a root beer (with lots of ice), or Contempo Salon Spa, where she freshened her hair every month (“I’m not ready to go gray!”).

Flowers was a fierce and constant advocate for vulnerable communities, most especially LBGTQ+ youth. Her example of not only compassion but a commitment to true understanding and respect for everyone’s individual experience helped many people deepen their own appreciation for our common humanity.

In one of her last conversations, Flowers said she’d like to live forever, and if everyone who truly loved her promises to live just part of their life as she lived hers, she will.

Joyce’s family would like to thank everyone at the Asbury Fire Department, along with the doctors, nurses and staff in the Mercy ER and ICU for their comprehensive and compassionate care.

Those left to cherish the memory of Joyce include,

her loving husband,
George W. Vallet, Jr., Dubuque, IA;

her two children,
Mark (Sarah) Vallet, Franktown, CO,
Michelle Vallet, Chicago, IL;

her three adored grandchildren,
Katie Vallet, Jack Vallet and Ben Garcia;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Larry (Margo) Ketelsen.

Online condolences may be shared with Joyce’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com.