Joyce Mittendorf Kelly

Joyce was born on November 8, 1931, in Geronimo, Texas, to Herbert Mittendorf and Melanie (Rheinlander) Mittendorf. Joyce attended school at San Geronimo (Freiheit) school, Carl Schurz Elementary, and graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1949. She was a musician, playing drums and marimba in the NBHS band and symphony orchestra, and playing marimba duets with her father. In 1950, she moved to Oakland, CA, and played professionally with a marimba trio. There she met and married the love of her life, John F. Kelly, in 1954. They moved to Chicago, where they lived for four years. They then moved to Houston and then Seabrook, where they lived for almost 25 years and enjoyed the many friendships and great times. In 1982, they moved back to New Braunfels to be near Joyce’s mother and other family members.

Joyce always enjoyed music, dancing, travels with John, family gatherings and the great times spent as a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Elks Club.

John passed away in December 2011 and he is now happy to welcome Joyce back in his arms. Joyce was also preceded in death by her father, mother, sister Coralyn June, and many aunts and uncles. Joyce also loved her dachshunds. Waiting at her feet in heaven, will be her loyal Schatzie (German for Sweetheart) who passed away last year.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Milligan of Michigan; Cousins Kathy Rheinlander O’Neal (Fred), Nancy Rheinlander Fairchild (Bobby) and Rick Rheinlander (Velma), and their children, to whom Joyce was known as “Aunt Joyce”. She is also survived by close members of the Mittendorf family, including Jerome E. Mittendorf (Donna), Terry Mittendorf, Tertia Emerson (Arthur), Werner Henke, Dr. Clyde Henke, Doyle Henke (Nan), Wendell Fullwood, Lynne Martin (Michael), Armand Antony (Karen), Susan Merrell, Carl Biesele, Marie Helsley Ward (J.C.), Edgar Oelkers (Dorothy), Arlyne Gibbs (Bob), Herb Skoog, Cathy Marcoux, and Cara Miranda.

All will miss her laughter, quick wit, sharp mind and wonderful common sense approach to life. She was more than an “aunt”, cousin or friend, she was a sister, counselor, confidant and a person who lived life to the fullest and opened her heart to so many. We will meet her again, on the other side.

A memorial service honoring her life will be held Friday, February 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels with a reception to follow at the New Braunfels Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the First Protestant Church of New Braunfels or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.