Joyce Heitz

Joyce Heitz, 66, of Charles City, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A visitation for Joyce Heitz will be held at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

A private family service will be held at the funeral home.

Joyce Ann (Ferch) Heitz, the daughter of Roger and Dorothy (Gilbert) Ferch, was born Oct. 12, 1956 in Charles City, Iowa. She (along with her five sisters and two brothers), grew up at 1202 Clark Street, better known as the Ferch House among close family and friends. Joyce graduated from Charles City High School in 1975.

Joyce was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” Heitz on June 25, 1977 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. The couple made their home in Charles City and were blessed with four sons: Adam, Ben, Cole and Drew and in the late 1980’s became guardians to Brenda (McKenzie) Bartz. Joyce meant the world to Dick, and he was honored to take such great care of her at home for as long as he could until his health didn’t allow it any longer.

Joyce worked as a paraeducator with the special education students at Washington Elementary School in Charles City for over 20 years until her retirement. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Joyce enjoyed collecting purses, shopping for bargains (she was an avid QVC shopper), decorating for all holidays and seasons (even if it meant just changing the decorations on the ever-present Christmas tree) and liked to have fun (always being the life of the party). She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her sisters at their slumber parties.

Living family members include her four sons: Adam (Melissa) Heitz of Charles City, Ben (Janel) Heitz of San Diego, California, Cole Heitz of Charles City and Drew (Jennifer) Heitz of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren: Tanner Heitz (Mackensie LeCoste), Trever Heitz (Madi Schumacher), Tyler Heitz, Addison Heitz and Katherine Heitz; siblings: Jackie Ferch of Mason City, Judy Ferch of Mason City, Janit (Scott) Heinz of Charles City, Joe (Glenda) Ferch of Charles City, Joan Reams (Kenny Walker) of Charles City and Jean (Jim) Breitkreutz of Colwell; siblings-in-law: Kenneth Heitz, Eugene (Ina) Heitz, Alan Heitz and Susan Wenthe; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard “Dick” Heitz on March 6, 2022; sister, Jane Ferch; and twin brother, James Ferch on April 23, 2022.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.