Joyce Lund Mears

Joyce Lund Mears died on November 11, 2025 at 5:05 pm. She died as she lived, peacefully
and surrounded by friends and family. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Arrangements for burial at Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Princeton, IA are currently pending. 

Joyce was born in Iowa on August 20, 1937 to Thelma Henrietta Peitscher and Hilding Eugene Nathaniel Lund. She grew up on the family farm overlooking the Mississippi River. The now century farm lies equidistant between LeClaire and Princeton. She loved and supported her home towns through her church home, Zion Lutheran, community events at Boll's in Princeton,activism in the barn foundation, and faithfully protecting the family farm.

Joyce was a graduate of Davenport High School and Drake University. After college, shetraveled and worked coast to coast. Her working life led her to Cape Cod and the Kennedy Summer Whitehouse where she met her husband, Walter Mears. Joyce and Walter settled in Washington D.C. where they started their family. Stephanie was born in 1964 and Susan wasborn in 1969.

In 1993, Joyce left Washington DC to return to her family farm on the Mississippi. She renewed her love of the land, family home, river, and community. She replanted an orchard where one stood 2 generations back. She renovated the farm house. She spent hours kayaking with friends on the river. She renewed her faith and cherished her church family.

An only child, Joyce was independent and determined. She lived a life full of adventure,learning, and love. Joyce is survived and celebrated by her two daughters, Stephanie and Susan, and five grandchildren.