Joyce Agnes DeCock

Mass of Christian Burial for Joyce DeCock, 91, of Marshall, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.  Visitation will be Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a CCW Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Parish Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall.  Visitation will continue on Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the remembrance center.  A livestream and recording of the service will be available at www.holy-redeemer.com.

Joyce Agnes DeCock , age 91, was born on March 29, 1931 to Nick and Mary Kramer of Lucan, MN. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic church,Seaforth, MN and confirmed at Our Lady of Victory, Lucan, MN. She graduated from Good Counsel Academy in Mankato. 

On August 25,1952 she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dorrence DeCock. They were married for 70 years. They made their home on a farm near Milroy, MN.  She was a homemaker and active partner in their farming business. Joyce worked alongside Dorrence on their farm, gathering eggs, walking bean fields, and cleaning chickens. They farmed for 34 years. She froze sweet corn and always had zucchini bread or carmel rolls in the freezer.  She was a talented seamstress and taught her daughters how to sew. They moved to Marshall, MN in 1988 following Dorrence’s retirement from farming. 

Joyce’s faith and family were central in her life. She loved her family and prayed daily for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was devoted to the daily rosary and Mass.  She was active in parish life at Our Lady of Victory, helping with dinners and church events. She was a member of the Altar Society, Council of Catholic Women, and volunteered with Birthright.  She taught Natural Family Planning classes, and led First Saturday Devotions for many years. 

Joyce was exceptionally hospitable.  She warmly hosted many family holiday celebrations, cousin’s card parties, and  gatherings with friends. Her loving presence brought a special joy to many family First Communion, Confirmation, wedding and birthday celebrations.  Joyce was a welcome help whenever a new grandchild arrived.  She enjoyed attending sports events, concerts, theater productions and marching band competitions for her children and grandchildren.  She also enjoyed many outdoor band concerts with friends in the park at Marshall.   . 

Joyce died peacefully on October 3, 2022 at her home. She is survived by children Carol (Jim) Wathen of Lincoln, NE, Doug (Sandy) DeCock of Lamberton, Tom (Kathy) DeCock of Eagan, Diane (Randy) Christensen of Gretna, NE, Colleen (Craig) Turner of New Prague and Robert (Dija) DeCock of Middleton, WI; 33 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren, sister Alice (Ray) Thull of Lucan as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Dorrence,  parents Nick and Mary Kramer,, grandson Jeffrey DeCock, brother Rich Kramer, and sister Eileen Brau.