Joyce Ann Oitker

Joyce Ann Oitker, 84, of Lake Ozark, MO passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, MO.

Joyce was born on June 29, 1941, in St Louis, MO the daughter of Lynn and Ella Mae (Maness) Gansner who preceded her in death. She was married on February 13, 1970, in Webster Grove, MO to the love of her life Gene Ward Oitker. She graduated from Cleveland High School in St Louis, completed her Undergraduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University and Wichita State University before receiving her Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

Gene's job moved them all over the Midwest including Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, Chicago, IL, and St. Louis, MO where they made new friends and expanded family.

She dedicated her professional life to education, retiring in 1998 after beginning as a substitute teacher and many years as an elementary school teacher and principal at Castilo Elementary, Francis Howell School District in St Charles, MO. She was deeply committed to nurturing young minds and supporting teachers, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and families. Her leadership was marked by kindness, patience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Outside of her career, Joyce embraced creativity; greatly enjoyed crafting and attending craft shows, where she found inspiration and joy. One of her favorite pastimes was making Christmas crafts and decorations, many of which became cherished gifts for family and friends. She also loved reading, painting, fishing, and spending time in her garden. She also was an active member of the Elks Lodge in Osage Beach, MO.

Another favorite activity was planning adventures and travel both nationally and internationally and making new memories with Gene. Whether on the road, by air or water, she always returned with stories and pictures to share.

Most of all, Joyce loved her family and cherished her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Survivors include: her husband, Gene Oitker of the home; two sons, David Oitker (Cathy) of St Louis, MO and Eric Oitker (Brooke) of Ballwin, MO; two daughters, Stacey Onysio "nee Sheets" (Keith) of Columbia, MO and Lisa Kinnison "nee Sheets" of Lake Ozark, MO; 16 grandchildren, Evan and Andy Oitker, Scott, Alex and Doug Oitker, Lindsay Tesenky, Jeremy Onysio, Alexa Hughes, Courtney and Tyler Reidy, Matthew, Karli and Riley Kinnison, Matilda Hilkerbaumer, Ian Fenton and Genevieve Peluso and six great-grandchildren and one on the way. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Fenton; son-in-law, Ron Kinnison; two brothers William Gansner and Theodore Hommert and one sister, Betty Pfieffer.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date .

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood by accessing https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ , followed by selecting Donate.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 514 Hwy 42, Osage Beach, MO (573) 348-3232.