DeKalb, IL ? On Saturday, March, 1, 2014, Joyce Marie Pflaumer went home to be with her Heavenly Father, after being a resident at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center for almost two years. She was born on November 23, 1920.

Joyce graduated from DeKalb High School in 1939. She met her husband to be, Russell Wayne Pflaumer, three years earlier. After a four year courtship, the couple was married on August 4, 1940. In 1942, they had a son, Russell Wayne Jr.; and, in 1951, a daughter, Sharon Marie. The couple was married for more than 67 years.

In addition to being a homemaker, and a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Joyce helped her husband operate the family business for 28 years. She also was an Avon Representative. During the early years of their retirement, she and her husband traveled to the Grand Canyon, Black Hills, Smokey Mountains, Yellowstone, Myrtle Beach, Fort Lauderdale, etc.

Joyce was quite beautiful as a young woman and often was told she resembled 1940s movie star, Linda Darnell. She remained beautiful even with the passage of time. She had an inner beauty, too, that was expressed in the lovely things she made. She liked to sew and do crafts, and stitched dozens of heirloom embroideries and needlepoint designs. She also dabbled in oil painting. As an adolescent, she wrote "romance" stories. Red was her favorite color, and May was her favorite month because she loved Spring.

Joyce was the all-time, best cook ever and made truly spectacular holiday dinners in particular. Each Christmas, she baked tins full of fancy spritz cookies and frosted sugar cookie cutouts, along with sea foam, divinity and her one and only special fudge. She loved to buy holiday gifts for her children and grandchildren. She spent hours wrapping their packages and decorated each one with bows, ornaments, and a tag with an endearing little note. A child at heart when it came to all things Christmas, she also enjoyed decorating her home for the holiday season. No matter what she did, she always did it to perfection with lots of love added.

Joyce is best remembered for her gentle nature and kind, generous heart. She loved her family and was always doing thoughtful things for them. Whenever they needed her, she was always there. Because she was such a wonderful mother and grandmother, she was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Wayne Pflaumer, Sr.; her parents, Ernest and Marie Welbourn; and her sister, Elaine Ring. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Pflaumer; her son, Russell Wayne (Karen) Pflaumer Jr.; three grandchildren, Scott, Amy and Kate Pflaumer; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also is survived by her best friend, Barb Jenkins.

Joyce loved God, was a devout Christian, and a life-long member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church (511 Russell Rd. DeKalb, IL). Her funeral will be held at 2:00PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb with the Rev. Ray Krueger officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service between 1:00 PM till the time of the service at the church. A memorial fund is being established and contributions may be sent to the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115.

Service:
Friday March, 7, 2014

2:00 PM

Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb
Visitation:
Friday March, 7, 2014

1:00 - 2:00 PM

Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb