Joyce Ann Hjort

Joyce Hjort, 74, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015 due to complications from HLH, an auto-immune syndrome. Joyce was born January 20, 1941 to Norbert and Vera (Grove) Schnittgen of Plentywood, Montana. She graduated from Plentywood High School, attended a teachers college, and taught elementary school. On December 23, 1962, she married Douglas Hjort in Medicine Lake, Montana. Before she was married, her young students couldnt pronounce Schnittgen, so they called her Miss Joyce. Her married name also proved to be too difficult to pronounce, so she continued to be called Miss Joyce. As their family grew, Joyce cared for her children and several other children in their home. She was active in her church and volunteered in numerous ways. After moving to Adel in the mid-70s, Joyce opened Hjorts Pour House Ceramic Shoppe on the town square. She also worked at Adel Elementary in their after-school daycare program and as a recess monitor. In more recent years, Joyce embraced the role of grandmother, spent much of her time volunteering at her church, and she could often be found in the kitchen cooking up one of her fabulous meals. One of her favorite things was giving the grandkids rides to their activities, which led to lots of conversations. She often said that having them in the car was like putting a quarter in a machine to make it go. The chatter would be non-stop, which she loved. Joyce also enjoyed organizing social events including outings to Music Under the Stars and trips with her sisters-in-law and cousins. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Doug, her parents, her brothers Ken and Duane, and her sister Louise. She is survived by daughters, Kathy (Rod) DeReus, Charlene Hjort, Janine (Kelly) Reames, Coreen (Todd) Witke, and Colleen Hjort. Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren Lucas, Benjamin (Kelsie), Jacob, Jared, Alexandria, Christopher, and Evan. Her first great-grandchild is due in December. Survivors also include her sisters-in-law, Joanne and Elnora, along with many other family members and close friends. Visitation will be Friday, September 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Urbandale United Church of Christ, 3530 70th Street, Urbandale. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12 at Urbandale United Church of Christ. Doug and Joyces cremains will be inurned together at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Urbandale United Church of Christ or the University of Iowa Foundation for Internal Medicine.