Joyce L. Konzelman

Joyce L. Konzelam 91 of Greensburg, Indiana passed away Tuesday May 10, 2011 at Morning Breeze Nursing Home where she had been a patient for the past 14 months. She was born on April 20, 1920 in Greensburg, Indiana the daughter of Evert and Dorothy (Smith) Konzelman. Miss Konzelman received her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from Ball State University and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Iowa. She began her career as a teacher in communities in Iowa, as well as in Illinois and southern Indiana. For many years she made her home in Bloomington where she taught, then took a job with the Indiana Department of Public Instruction in the late 1960’s. She advanced in that state position to the title of Chief Consultant of Home Economics Education for the Department of Ed’s Division of Vocational Education. Throughout her career Miss Konzelman was the recipient of many awards and special recognitions, including a National Home Economist Award of Merit; the Professional Service Award for the Future Homemakers of America; recognition for “outstanding leadership and distinguished service in the promotion and development of the home Economics Education Program in the state and in the nation”, and a special national commendation resulting in contribution to the Home Economics Education Graduate Fellowship in her name.

She was also an accomplished seamstress and a counted cross-stitch enthusiast, holding membership in the Embroiderers Guild of America and lending her talents to many other enthusiasts in Decatur and surrounding counties. Miss Konzelman was also a member of Delta theta Tau Alumni; first Presbyterian Women’s Association; the Decatur County historical Society, and Delta Kappa Gamma Retired Teacher’s Association. Miss Konzelman was an active member of the first Presbyterian church of Greensburg until the time of her stroke in March 2010. She served in various leadership capacities within the church and was active in the women’s association there. Despite her numerous professional accomplishments, her greatest joy was family. She was “Aunt Joyce” to her sister’s children; their children and there grandchildren and, throughout the past 60 years, provided custom-knitted Christmas stockings to nearly 60 members of her extended families. Only her failing eyesight forced her to relinquish that tradition to other family members.

She is survived by Two Sisters: Shirley Ryle of Greensburg, Indiana and Wilna (Don) Hurst of Cloverdale, Indiana. In addition to her sisters she is survived by nephews and nieces: David (Fran) Hurst of Bloomington, Indiana, Karen McKinley, Angela (Gary) Hersley, Nancy (Dan) tower, Cynthia (Anthony) Stuhrenberg, and James William (Ginger) Ryle all of Greensburg, Indiana; LuAnn (Chuck) Evens of Fortville, Indiana and John (Yukari) Ryle of Greenwood, Indiana. Also surviving are six great nieces and twelve great nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and One Brother: Warren “Buddy” Konzelman in 1941.

Friends may call at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Thursday May 12, 2010 from 4:00 until 8:00pm where Delta Theta Tau will conduct a memorial service at 3:45pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday May 13, 2011 at 10:00am at the funeral home with reverend Steve Matthies officiating. Burial will take place at the South park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com.