Joyce M. Wiepen

ST. HELENA — Joyce M. Wiepen, 83, St. Helena, died Sept. 8, 2018, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, S.D. Visitation, with Holy Rosary and Vigil Service, were Sept. 10 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, and continued one hour prior to service time at the church Tuesday. A funeral Mass was held Sept. 11 at Holy Family Parish (Immaculate Conception Catholic Church), St. Helena, with the Rev. Fr. Eric Olsen as celebrant. Burial followed in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton. Joyce Marie Wiepen, the daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy (Liekhus) Brandt, was born Feb. 20, 1935, at Starbuck, Minn. Her family moved to Nebraska, where she received her education, graduating with the Wynot High School Class of 1954. Following high school, she lived in Yankton and worked at Stuelpnagel’s and a local grocery store until her marriage. Joyce married Bruno A. Wiepen Aug. 8, 1956, and they had three children. She was a homemaker from 1956-1969, and then worked with her husband at their family business “Bruno’s Store” until 1978. She returned to work in 1982, and worked for Dale Electronics until her retirement in 1997. Joyce will be remembered as a great cook and baker, always having cookies to offer family and friends. She was a fan of classic television shows and good music. Joyce loved to work in her garden, embroider towels and work puzzles. Her greatest loves were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cats. Her favorite season was Christmas, and she loved to buy and give gifts, no matter what the occasion. Survivors include her children, Mick (Tami) Wiepen, St. Helena; Geri (Bob) Friederich, Crofton; and Tony (Sue) Wiepen, St. Helena; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob (Barb) Brandt; sisters, Doris Haas, Shirley Haas and Bonnie Brandt; one sister-in-law, Joyce Brandt; and other relatives and friends. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bruno; brother, Gerald Brandt; and brothers-in-law, Leonard Haas and Gerald Haas.