Joyce A. Bland

Joyce A. Bland, 70, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She was born on August 23, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Walter Knipstein and the late Florence Jane (Smith) Knipstein.

Joyce was united in marriage to Terry M. Bland on October 23, 1976 at Trinity Lutheran Church, and he preceded her in death on June 16, 2013.

Joyce was a member of Antioch Lutheran Church in Hoagland.  She was employed by Hoosier Wire Die for several years, and also worked for ITT Aerospace-Communications.

Joyce loved to vacation in Florida with her family, and there are many fond memories of these trips.  Her grandkids meant everything to her, and she loved to spoil them.  Joyce loved to make special cakes for family and friends, for weddings, birthdays, or any other occasion.  She was always ready to head to Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, or KFC to enjoy a meal with her family.  She also enjoyed playing Bingo, and was a wiz at Sudoku puzzles.

Survivors include her daughter, Heather (Shane) Caudill of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Kristy (Justin) Schmitt of Fort  Wayne, Indiana; brother, DeWayne (Carole) Knipstein of Hoagland, Indiana; and grandchildren, Liberty and Justice Nelson, and Mason Caudill.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Knipstein and her sister, Vena Mart.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland, Indiana with Pastor Fred Mueter officiating.  Burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, and one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday.

Preferred memorials can be given to Humane Society in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana