Joyce G. Burklin

Joyce Burklin, nee Austin was born March 1, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana. She grew up on a farm in LaGrange, Indiana. After receiving her training at Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital, she gained her R.N. and later a B.Sc. from Grace College. She became sure of her salvation during her studies.
Joyce met Frederick Burklin through her sister at Grace College. They later married in 1957 in a double wedding at the Shipshewana Methodist Church in Indiana.
Joyce and Fred joined Greater Europe Mission in 1961 and Fred taught at the Bibelschule Bergstrasse (German Bible Institute) in Seeheim, Germany until 1991.
Joyce was first a wife, mother, and home maker. She managed the kitchen at the Bibelschule from 1979 – 1981. She was involved with the Christian Women's club and organized speakers to come and share the gospel with the ladies who would attend. She always was working in the background, be it distributing fliers for women's club and children's meetings; picking up and driving elderly ladies to and from the Bibelschule for Sunday evening services; taking care of student's children for weeks. She lovingly cared for her mother-in-law for the last two years of her earthly life in their home.
As of 1984, the Burklins had become increasingly involved in various ministries in Eastern Europe, where they ministered in East Germany, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, China, India, Sudan, and Austria. Joyce was able to accompany Fred on these trips and ministered to the students, wives, and children in the various locations. She truly had a servant's heart!
Joyce passed into Glory on December 23, 2025. Alice had the privilege of being with her when she peacefully fell asleep. She went to sleep here on earth and woke up in heaven. Our prayers were answered! She will be missed greatly by family, friends, colleagues, former students, and many whose lives she touched around the world.
Surviving Joyce Burklin are her four children; two were born in the United States and two in Germany: Walter and Linda Burklin - Texas Ruth Fox – West Virginia Arnold and Angelika Burklin – Germany Alice Burklin – Georgia Joyce enjoyed sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held on December 30th, 2025. A memorial service to honor her life will be held sometime in the summer 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Westminster 2412 Lake Rockaway Road NW Conyers, GA 30012