Joyce Klein

Joyce Klein

Oskaloosa. Joyce Delaine Klein died Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born April 22, 1947, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of William Lester and Helen Bernice (Piersel) Hite. She attended and graduated from North Mahaska High School with the class of 1965. In May of 1969, she married the love of her life Darrell Wayne Klein at the United Methodist Church in New Sharon. Joyce and Darrell were blessed with two children, Katherine Lynn and eight and a half years later Philip Matthew.

Following high school Joyce worked for Grinnell Reinsurance, Blomgren Acct. and Thrift Loan Company. Following her marriage to Darrell she worked at Pella Corporation in the Accounts Receivable department.

After her daughter was born, she lovingly devoted her time to raising her children. When Matt entered fifth grade Joyce went back to work part-time for the USDA, the City of Oskaloosa, Mahaska County Recorders Office, and William Penn University. She eventually worked full-time at William Penn in the Business Office before retiring in 2009. She volunteered at Central Church in Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa Elementary School second grade classroom, the Porkette Board, and the YMCA Board. She looked forward to siblings' lunch and cousins get togethers. She also enjoyed tending to her yard and garden always looking for a reason to be outside, reading, time with family and friends, Tuesday and Thursday morning coffee groups, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeye Basketball team, and going for walks. She especially enjoyed her trips with Darrell to Florida enjoying the gulf and the beach. Traveling to Europe was a highlight of one their many journeys. She was a former member of the Methodist Church in New Sharon, currently was an active member at Central Church in Oskaloosa.

Her family includes her husband of over 56 years Darrell Klein of Oskaloosa; her children, Kathie (fiancé Patrick Schuette) Dykstra of Oskaloosa and Matthew (Megan) Klein of Burnsville, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Sam (fiancée Grace Goodridge) Dykstra, Liam Dykstra, Jude Klein, and Levi Klein; a sister, Janet Ranfeld of Deep River; brother, Curt (Pat) Hite of Pella; sisters-in-law, Carol Hite of New Sharon and Luane Tyrrel of Altoona; and many niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Elmer and Nellie Klein; a brother, Merlin Hite; and brothers and sisters in law, Alvin and Sandy Klein, Jack Tyrrel, and Robert Ranfeld; and a great nephew.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Jon Nelson officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery near Leighton. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Sunday, February 15, 2026, after 11:00 in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Bethany Christian Services or Central Church Building Fund.