MILLER, SD – JoDean Joy, 89, of Miller, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society in Miller. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Miller, with Rev. Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell officiating. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.

Beverly JoDean Eschenbaum was born in Miller, South Dakota, and graduated from Miller High School. She attended one semester at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA before marrying the love of her life, Vernon Joy, on March 1, 1953. They lived in Biloxi, MS, and Huron, with the remaining 64 years in Miller.

Family was one of her greatest achievements. Even if you weren’t related by blood, she still considered you family and made sure you knew that. There was always food waiting if she knew you were coming over. In case you forgot her last name while at her home, all you had to do was look around and read the hundreds of Joys on every wall. Her collection was vast, expanding into every room of her house, vehicles, camper, and clothing. She was very proud to display her many Joys for all to see. She created “JOY” in her life – and the lives of others.

If you knew JoDean, you knew she was a force to be reckoned with. . . especially when it came to the things she believed in such as the local blood drive, anti-gambling organizations, and the Lions Club. Some of her passions included gardening, donut making, baking, volunteering countless hours at the school and church, fishing, sewing, and so much more. She led Sunday school, girl scouts/boy scouts, junior high track, and campground hosting at West Bend for many years, and served the Lutheran church through various volunteer opportunities. Staying busy was never an issue for her.

JoDean volunteered 38 of her years to the local blood drive. Many hours were spent calling and signing people up to donate, whether they wanted to or not! She was even known as the friendly vampire to many in the Miller community. The donut bin was always full, so people had a snack after giving blood. Many people claimed they donated because of her donuts!

Traveling was something Vernon and JoDean enjoyed: Mexico and Hawaii were favorite destinations along with cruising to multiple locations. They wintered in Arizona and Texas for many years, much warmer than South Dakota that time of year! While down in Texas they volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and hosted blood drives.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon, of 71 years; her children: Keith (Candy) Joy, Karen Rose (George) Kalvass, Kathy (Larry) Link, Kay Joy Barge, Kurt (Alanna) Joy, and bonus daughter, Odette Massimi; 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters-in-law: Bobby Eschenbaum, Richard Joy, Ardis (Glen) Koppelman, Don (Joan) Joy, and Doris Lofton.

JoDean is proceeded in death by her parents, Henry and Lena Eschenbaum; siblings: Robert (Donna), Ruth (Ola) Harrell, Harold (Vonnie), Duane, and Mary Ann Clodt; in-laws, Archie and Fern Joy; son-in-law, Ken Barge; brother-in-law, Jack Lofton; and sister-in-law, Delores Joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund or to Lutherans Outdoors/Outlaw Ranch.

The family encourages people to wear a blood donor t-shirt if they wish.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with JoDean’s arrangements.

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