Joyce Susanne Hanson

Joyce Susanne (Buchanan) Hanson, 73, of Ventura, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa, surrounded by her loved ones.

A visitation will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, with a memorial service to begin at 3:30 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428, officiated by Pastor Linda Johnson-Prestholt. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Brush Point Cemetery.

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Joyce’s name may direct contributions to her family. Joyce’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Oakwood Care Center along with the medical staff at Fresenius Kidney Care dialysis center and Mercy One North Iowa for their exceptional and dignified care.

Joyce was born December 13, 1951, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Edward A. Sr. and Susan J. (Gottfried) Buchanan. She received her early education in Marshalltown and LeGrand schools and later received her degree from NIACC. She lived in Quarry, Marshalltown, and Fertile before settling in Ventura, Iowa, after marrying Michael A. Hanson on August 13, 1983. Together they enjoyed spending time bowling, fishing, and many spontaneous trips to the casino. When they weren’t out and about, they were sitting on their back porch enjoying time visiting. Not only was she a loving daughter, sister, and wife, she was a proud mother to Julie, and doting grandmother to Hailey and Dalton.

One of her greatest joys was attending school and sporting events for those she loved, unconditionally cheering them on until her health no longer allowed her to do so in-person. She was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first great-granddaughter, Baby Girl Grell. In her later years, Joyce found companionship in her much-loved rescue dog, Lizzy, adopted from the North Iowa Humane Society. A woman with a heart for service, Joyce spent her years working at Easters, Fertile Meats and Grocery, and Butcher’s Steakhouse. She spent 18 years as a beloved “lunch lady” in the Ventura Community School System, greeting students with kindness and a warm smile every day. She found joy in cooking and serving others, a passion that extended beyond her career into all aspects of her life – including assisting at Pilgrim Heights camp, caring for her foster siblings, and providing daycare to many treasured children in her life. Whether she was preparing a home-cooked meal, cheering others on at events, lounging in the pool, or sharing laughter over a game of cards, Joyce made every moment special.

She enjoyed participating in the KISS Country tractor rides and had a deep love for music and celebrating Halloween. Every year, she went all out, serving hot cider and cocoa to every visitor, keeping a running tally in hopes of beating the previous year’s record. When she moved into her home at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Joyce embraced the transition with grace and formed wonderful friendships with Mary and Rosie among many others.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Michael Hanson; her daughter, Julie (Doug) Grell; grandchildren, Hailey Grell and Dalton (Elizabeth) Grell; and her eagerly awaited great-granddaughter, Baby Girl Grell. She is also survived by her siblings, Jane (Al) Ramon and Ed Buchanan Jr.; nieces and nephews, Tami (Dan) Young, Laurie (Dan) Buchanan, Alvino (Mary) Ramon, Jeremy (Krista) Buchanan, and Ryan (Cari) Buchanan; along with many other treasured relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Buchanan Sr. and Susan Gottfried; her in-laws, Allen and Vera Hanson; her brother, Frankie Gottfried; her siblings-in-law, Jan Buchanan, Lori Hanson, and Tom Hanson; extended family, Chuck Waage; and a special boy, Lucas. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community will be deeply missed.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.