Joyce Cecelia Bahnsen

Joyce Cecelia Bahnsen

Cedar Rapids

Joyce Cecelia Bahnsen, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Monday, Jan. 2, at her home following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. She was surrounded by her loving family. A private graveside service has taken place.

Joyce was born Jan. 21, 1935, in Iowa City, Iowa, weighing just two pounds, the daughter of William Ernest Ritter and Cecelia Mae (Hines) Ritter.

She attended schools in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids. She graduated from McKinley High School. She worked for many years at Collins and later worked at Meth-Wick until retirement. Joyce’s passions were her flowers, plants, animals, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Eugene Bahnsen; three children, Tom (Tiffany), Tim (Earlene), and David; grandchildren Alissa, Dietrich, Dylan, Eugene, Ian (Makenna), Jan (Josh), John, Kaitlyn (Will), Maleigha (Nick), Marly, Merissa (Colin), Paul, Rosemary; great-grandchildren Annamarie, Breckin, Cienna, Elise, Gavin, Jeremiah, Jewels, Juliet, Matthew, Raelynn, Spencer, Trace, Zane; and special friend Ann Melsh.

Preceding Joyce in death were her parents William and Cecelia Ritter; two children, Robert Melsh Jr. and Linda Melsh; and three sisiters, Shirley, Evelyn, and Elnor.

Special thanks to the nurses, social workers and chaplains from Mercy Hospice. Their support was very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mercy Hospice of Cedar Rapids.