Joyce Haskell

Joyce HaskellApril 5, 1945-Aug. 3, 2018

Joyce Haskell, 73, of Columbus, died Aug. 3, 2018, as a result of an air balloon accident near Hartsel, Colorado.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 at Columbus Berean Church with Pastor Justin Bebb officiating. Interment will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14 in the Fairbury Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12 at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue from 10 a.m. until service time on Monday at the church.

Joyce, christened, Dana Joyce, was born to the late William and Wanda (Anderson) Haskell on April 5, 1945, in Fairbury. She graduated from York High School in 1963 and received both her BA in education and her master's in school administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1967 and 1984, respectively. Joyce began teaching English to eighth graders at Columbus Junior High in the fall of 1967 and continued an outstanding career until her retirement from Columbus Middle School in 2000.

Throughout her work life and well into retirement, Joyce led an active life as a sports enthusiast, especially golf, but all things offering a competitive challenge. She also loved the gift of music, the joy of reading good books, the excitement of travel, good food, and the enjoyment of the company of her friends and her family. But she also appreciated the opportunities to share and give glory to God and her community through her Berean Church and as a Columbus Community Hospital volunteer. Joyce will be missed by all who were lucky enough to travel for some or all of her journey.

Although she leaves no immediate family, Joyce will be remembered by those who chose to be her family: Jan Maschino, friend for over 50 years and the whole Maschino family, of Iowa, who chose Joyce to be "sister" and "aunt"; cousin, Randy (Susan) Haskell of Columbus, and their children Paul (Kelly) and Sarah, who not only called her cousin, but also "Miss Haskell", teacher; and by her cousin and lifelong friend Joan McKenzie of Fairbury. Although too numerous to count, she will also be remembered and missed by the many friends who had the good fortune to meet and share their lives with her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Wanda, her sister Julia Fern (Marvin) Brauer, and her brother Roger (Dorothy) Haskell. Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com