Joyce Margaret Knudson

    Joyce Margaret Knudson, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Heritage Care Center. 
    The family will be having a Celebration of Life in South Dakota at a later date. 
     Joyce was born on April 13, 1930, on her family farm in Canova, South Dakota, the daughter of Jennings and Hazel (Harter) Gough. She grew up surrounded by faith, family, and the values of hard work and kindness. Joyce attended country school and Canova High School before earning her teaching degree from Yankton College. Later she completed her four year degree from Sioux Falls College. Teaching was not just her career but her calling, and for 37 years she found joy in helping young minds discover their potential.
     Faith was a steady presence throughout Joyce’s life. Raised in the Congregational Church, she carried that foundation wherever she went. She was active in her church communities, singing in the choir, playing the organ, joining women’s groups, and even directing the men’s choir at one point.
     Joyce was not one to sit still. She poured her time and talents into her community through quilting groups, volunteering with Hospice, and being part of the Red Hat Ladies Society. She enjoyed playing Bridge and 500 in her card clubs and cherished the friendships and laughter that came with each game. She was also a member of New Beginnings.
     An adventurous spirit, Joyce loved to travel and see the beauty of the world. Some of her favorite destinations included Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii, each trip adding new stories and memories to her life.
    Of all her hobbies, quilting was perhaps the one closest to her heart. Each quilt she made carried love and intention, especially the ones she created for her family. She made sure every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild received a quilt stitched with care.
     Joyce lived her life with faith and grace. Those who knew her will always remember her as a woman who lived fully, cared deeply, and gave from the heart.
     Those left to cherish memories of Joyce are her children, Andrea (John) Van Dyke, Roland (Karen) Knudson, Lori Allen, eleven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Ada Gough and Kay Gough; numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
     Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Dennis Gough, Charles Gough, Ardath Nelson; and several good friends and family members.
     Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, Iowa 641-423-2372 ColonialChapels.com