Joyce Oatey

Joyce Oatey, age 83, of Brainerd, passed away on October 25, 2019 at Woodland Good Samaritan Society. Joyce was born on March 30, 1936 in George Iowa, the second of eight children to Herman & Lillian (Landhuis) Koerselman. She was married to Bill Oatey for eight years. Joyce was a music teacher for one year after receiving her BA from Vermillion, SD. Despite being a talented musician and accomplished pianist, her professional life did not include music. She did direct the choir at First Presbyterian church in Brainerd for a time. Joyce worked for 25 years in Brainerd at the Rural Electric Association and then as an Executive Secretary at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, until her retirement. Locating to Iowa allowed her to dedicate much attention and care to her parents. Time can camouflage, fade and sometimes obscure those qualities that make us who we are. We shall tuck her gifts of laughter, loyalty and love in our hearts, and there remembered, she will remain. She is loved and survived by her siblings: Mary (Les) Roberts of Brainerd, Linda (Cliff) Slykhuis of Mesa, AZ, Nancy (Jim) Zattler of New Hampshire, Bernard (Sherry) Koerselman of Surprise, AZ, Herbert (Arlene) Koerselman of Louisville, KY, Vernon (Linda) Koerselman of Mesa, AZ and Leslie (Nancy) Koerselman of Port St Lucie, FL; many nieces and nephews. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; and a niece, Lisa Koerselman. A memorial service for Joyce will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 2PM at Halvorson Taylor Life Events Center, 512 S 8th St, Brainerd. Caring for Joyce and the Koerselman Family: Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home 512 S 8th St, Brainerd www.halvorsontaylor.com