Joyce Evelyn Kuechler

Joyce was born August 6, 1925, to Marguerite and Milton Hoberecht in Columbia, Missouri. Joyce was an only child. When Joyce was 12, her mother lost her sight, although she did not let it slow her down, learning braille and utilizing two German Shepherd seeing eye dogs during her life.

Joyce attended grade school and two years of high school in Lee's Summit. Her family then moved to Jefferson City where she completed high school in 1943. Joyce had a wonderful singing voice and while in Jefferson City she was invited to perform a duet at the Missouri State Capitol Building. As a young girl, Joyce treasured the family trips to Minnesota where she enjoyed fishing and listening to the sound of the loons, leading to a lifelong passion of enjoying time outdoors. She often visited the Long Farm and orchards in Lee's Summit with her father where he led projects as a vocational agriculture instructor at Lee's Summit High School.

Joyce attended Christian College (now Columbia College) in Columbia, Missouri, from 1943 to 1945, making many lifelong friends during her time there. She continued to pursue her love of music during this time, singing with a trio at school. After graduating from the two-year college and sitting out of school for two years due to the war, Joyce transferred to University of Missouri where she joined Gamma Phi Beta Sorority in 1948. It was during that time that Joyce’s father Milton passed away at the early age of 46. It was a huge loss to her, and she missed him greatly.

Joyce married James Kuechler on September 5, 1948, and the couple relocated to Kansas City where James taught and coached football at Center High School for 13 years. The teams were very successful, with Jim being named the Kansas City Football Coach of the Year in 1960. Joyce and Jim treasured the closeness they developed with the players, many of whom became friends after their playing days. The family then moved to San Jose, California for one year and Chadron, Nebraska for three years where Jim taught and coached football and track. Following Jim’s retirement from coaching, he continued his teaching career at UMKC for another 24 years. The family relocated to Overland Park, where Joyce spent most of her years.

James and Joyce had two children, Steve and Janise, and Joyce focused her time on managing the home, engaging with her Gamma Phi Beta and P.E.O. sisters, and her membership in Red Bridge Christian Church, where she was active in the choir and taught Sunday school. Joyce was a 75-year member of Gamma Phi Beta and the EV chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Kansas City. Joyce cherished the friendships she made in these organizations. Being outdoors and feeling the sun on her face brought much joy to Joyce, as did her dogs. She truly enjoyed the company of her family pets, Bliss, Krissy and Missy, schnauzers, and west highland terriers that she treasured, encouraging her lifelong love of animals.

The family wishes to thank all of Joyce’s caregivers at Brookdale and Good Shepherd Hospice who provided such compassionate care and made Joyce’s last years as comfortable as possible.

Joyce is survived by her children: Steven Charles (Vonda) Kuechler of Olathe, Kansas, Janise Lynn (Marc) Naughton of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren: Brian Kuechler, Jeffrey Naughton, Jennifer Evans, and Kristen Naughton; great-grandchildren: Brycen and Kinzie Kuechler; Connor and Colin Naughton; Cooper Schwede and Parker and Josie Evans.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a visitation with the family at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on October 18, 2025, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. A family-only graveside service will take place in Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donations/