Joyce M. Nelson, 101, of DeKalb, died May 13, 2026, at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore, Illinois.

Joyce Nelson was born on December 17, 1924 in DeKalb to Ray and Myrtle (Swanbum) Johnson. Her grandparents came from Sweden in the late 1800s and built the house in DeKalb where she lived for 96 years. She married Robert (Bob) Nelson on July 18, 1946 and they were married for over 53 years. Together they had one son, Ray. Later in life, Joyce was blessed with a special companion of 16 years, Fred Utroska.

Joyce was employed at Wurlitzer Company of DeKalb for many years. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and an avid volunteer in her community. Joyce loved singing, was active in choir and enjoyed playing the piano. She was president of the Women's Club, participated with the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, was a member of her church project group, and for many years she played the piano weekly for the residents of Pine Acres.

Joyce enjoyed traveling with her family and friends to places such as New Zealand, Hawaii, Branson and New York, as well as annual trips to Friendship, Indiana and Hayward, Wisconsin for many years. She loved dinner shows and live performances and never missed a party or social event. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she delighted in decorating and hosting parties. Joyce took pride in having spent so much time with both her granddaughters and all of her great-grandchildren, going to as many of their activities as possible. She enjoyed living at Lincolnshire Place the past two years, where she made many friendships with the residents and staff.

Those who knew Joyce will remember her always having a smile on her face and a positive outlook on everything she did in life.

She is survived by her son, Ray Nelson; her granddaughters, Andria (Dave) Norkiewicz and Julie (Brad) Benson; and her great-grandchildren, Natalie, Jack and Josh Norkiewicz, and Nolan, Leah and Nora Benson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert W. Nelson; her companion of many years, Fred Utroska; and her daughter-in-law, Janet Nelson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in DeKalb. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in DeKalb, IL, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, please visit www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com