Joyce M. Selchert

Joyce (Meester) Selchert passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Monday, January 29, 2024, at her home near Grover, SD.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00pm Friday, February 2, 2024, at The Family Worship Center in Watertown, SD.
Visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Doug Neitzel, David Neitzel, Mike Neitzel, Mark Neitzel, Tom Neitzel, Ryan Selchert, Bret Selchert, Kye Selchert, Chad Selchert and Sean Fedt.
Joyce Maxine Selchert was born on September 10, 1928, at the family home near Willow Lake, South Dakota. She graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1946 and was a member of the Alumni. She then attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and earned her degree in bookkeeping. While in college, Joyce worked at the YMCA.
On December 30, 1948, Joyce and Raymond Otto Selchert were united in marriage in Willow Lake. The couple moved to a farm near Castlewood, South Dakota and in 1951 they moved to a farm near Grover, South Dakota, where Joyce was still living.
Joyce was always active and over the years had several jobs. She babysat for a few neighbors; sold Stanley Products; was employed during the Christmas holiday wrapping presents at Herbergers and JC Pennys; picked potatoes at Maynard's Potato Farm near Henry, South Dakota; and worked at Black Steer café in Watertown. Joyce started work as a bookkeeper at the Grover Elevator in the late 1960's and she retired from the Watertown Coop Elevator when she was 90 years old.
She sewed a lot for her children while they were growing up and crocheted many scarves and afghans for her family.
Joyce had a green thumb and had a huge vegetable garden which she canned or froze for her family. She also enjoyed flowers and grew a variety of plants and flowers inside and outside. African violets were one of her favorites. Joyce belonged to PTA, Extension Club, an African Violet Club, Garden Club and the Red Hat Ladies to name a few.
She always enjoyed having coffee with her friends and family.
Joyce and Ray were charter members of the Four-Square Church in Watertown. Ray, Joyce and family also worshipped at the Assembly of God. At both churches Joyce taught Sunday school and was involved in several other areas in the church. The couple had a strong faith and love for Jesus and instilled that in their children; and prayed for family and friends.
Joyce passed away peacefully, in the comfort of her home, at the age of 95 on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Joyce was loved and will be greatly missed by her children:
*Cheryl (William H.) Neitzel of Watertown, SD and sons Doug Neitzel with Kayla Neitzel and Keandre; Damion (Sara) with Landen, Layken, and Lillian; Darian (McKenna); David Neitzel with Samantha (Hayden) with Carter and Remi; David (Julie) with Hudson and Hughes; Dylan; Mike (Amy) Neitzel with Cole, Tyler, Mason, and Carter; Mark Neitzel with Austin (Naddie) with Jasper, Alexandra and Bailey; and Tom (Becca) Neitzel.
*Arlen (Renee) Selchert of Sioux Falls, SD and children Ryan Selchert with Jada, Gabi and Riley; Bret (Jessica) Selchert with Violet.
*Rodney (Kathy) Selchert of Watertown, SD and children Kye (Zacara) Selchert with Kavyn, Sullivan and baby due in March; Bethany Selchert, Morgan McCann with Nadia; Christopher Arbach; and Brook (Taylor Otheim) Arbach with Mataya and Jett.
*Odean (Cindy) Selchert of Marietta, MN and daughter Nicole Selchert with Skylar, Madison, Jack and Declan.
*Lois Selchert of Hazel, SD and children Heidi (Jason Fonder) Selchert with Laike (Triston) Wirtjes with Iyla and Essie; Vaughn (Faith Brandenberger) Doyen; Chad (Laci Rorvick) Selchert with Booker; and Frank DesLauriers.
*LaWanda (Rob) Fedt of Bryant, SD and children Nora (Chad) Mandelkow with Otis and Leah; Sean (Allison) Fedt with Quinn and Harmon.
This includes the 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and the 11 great great-grandchildren.
Joyce will also be missed by her younger sisters, Lois Brower of Watertown, SD, Arlene Nelson of Watertown, SD and Audrey Williams of Elk Point, SD; her many friends; and many relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Selchert; granddaughter, Leah Selchert; her sister, LaVon Borg; her brother, Darwin Meester; and her parents, Jack and Muriel Meester.