Barbara Lee Joenks
March 30, 1942 ― Aug. 13, 2024
Barbara Lee Joenks, the daughter of Lewis “Butch” and Beneta (Cole) Williams, was born March 30, 1942, in Sioux Rapids. Her childhood was spent in Sioux Rapids where she attended and graduated from Sioux Rapids Community School.
On Sept. 7, 1959, Barb was united in marriage to Ronnie Joenks at the United Methodist Church in Sioux Rapids. They were blessed with three children.
Barb enjoyed being a room mother while her children were in school, and being a 4-H leader, where she helped with countless 4-H projects.
Barb worked at various jobs in the area and her last job was as assistant director for Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority where she was employed for 22 years. Barb truly enjoyed her years in this position and she did an excellent job for all those she helped.
Barb was a member of the Rossie Church for several years where she served as the Sunday School Superintendent. She and Ron later joined the First Congregational Church in Spencer where Barb worked in many different departments. She especially enjoyed playing the bells for church services.
Barb passed away Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at the Spencer Municipal Hospital in Spencer at the age of 82.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Butch and Beneta Williams; her husband, Ronnie; daughters-in-law, Jeanna Joenks and Cathy Joenks; brothers and sister-in-law, Bobby and Lola (Woodard) Williams and Billy Williams; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Langholz.
She is survived by her children, Neil Joenks of Rossie Iowa, Shannon (Larry) Van Daalen of Waverly, Iowa and Jim (Kathy) Joenks of Everly, Iowa; eight grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Patricia Williams and Judy Langholz; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Visitation is Saturday, Aug. 17, 9-10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church in Spencer. The funeral service will start at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery in Peterson. Arrangements are by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home, martinmatticefuneralhome.com.
