Joyce Marie Kammeyer

Joyce Marie Kammeyer, 88, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at MercyOne in Waterloo. Born on August 9, 1936, in Waverly, Iowa, to Marshall and Catherine (Weires) Carpenter. She married William “Bill” Kammeyer and together they had four children. They later divorced. Joyce lived a life defined by her unwavering love and loyalty for her family, and her passion for serving her church and community.

Joyce was a devoted mother and grandmother, finding her greatest joy and privilege in raising her children and nurturing her grandchildren. She dedicated herself to their happiness and well-being and showed her love through baking their favorite cookies, reading them their favorite books, and creating lasting memories with every visit to “Grandma’s house.”

Throughout her life, Joyce was actively involved in her family and community. She worked at her family’s local restaurant, Carpenters, contributing to the family legacy with pride. She spent many summers running “Joyce’s Snack Shack” at Porky’s Red Carpet Club swimming pool in Waterloo, where she drew people in the best way she knew how—with food. Later in life, Joyce served as a paraeducator at Waterloo and Mason City Schools, working with countless children.

A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she played a significant role in the church community, helping in the lunchroom and participating as a Catholic Daughter. Her love for baking again shone through as she organized the bake sale for the church’s fall festival. As she also served as an active Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother to the Cub Scouts. She earned the affectionate titles of Cookie Lady and Hockey Mom for her contributions and leadership in her children’s activities.

Faith was the cornerstone of Joyce’s life She walked with unwavering belief in her Catholic faith and prayed daily for those in need, embodying selflessness and compassion.

Joyce is survived by four children, Billy Kammeyer of Mason City, Iowa, Theresa (Wade) Brantner of Durand, Wisconsin, Steve Kammeyer (Christy Moore) of Waterloo and Mimi Kammeyer of Chicago, Illinois; her eight beloved grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Joe Carpenter of Waterloo and five sisters, Mary Carpenter of Waterloo, Ann (Don) Hein of Waterloo, Carol (Tim) Sullivan of Des Moines, Janice (Ed) Starkey of Red Wing, Minnesota and Kathy (Dan) Gable of Iowa City. She is preceded in death by her parents; three siblings, Mary Joan Carpenter, Pat Anderson and John Carpenter. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and faith, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her.

 Memorial Visitation: Friday, October 18, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 627 W. Fourth St., Waterloo.

 Memorial Mass: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

 Private Burial will be at St. Joesph Cemetery in Waverly.