Florence Joy Klein, 85, of Wessington Springs, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022, at Weskota Manor Avera.
Florence (Joy) Wenzel was born to Mary and Donald Wenzel, on January 5, 1937 and was the oldest of four children. Siblings included her three brothers, Donald (Pat) Wenzel, Dennis “Duke” (Karen) Wenzel, and Craig (Penny) Wenzel, all of Wessington Springs.
She attended schools in Wessington Springs and later graduated summa cum laude at Huron College.
Her interests were many. She became an accomplished artist at a very early age. She also excelled at quilting and produced many exquisite examples. She loved music, basketball games, history, reading and family genealogy.
She married Paul Hickens in Huron, SD and to that union five children were born.
Joy spent many years in Texas, working various jobs. Archaeology was one of her many passions. She eventually moved back to South Dakota to be closer to her family and aging parents. Once back in Wessington Springs, she would ride the bus to Rapid City to spend time with family. She came to be called “Grandma” while on the bus.
Thankful for sharing her life are her brothers, children, Steven Hickens (Dixie), Rapid City, SD, Bonnie Ruggieri, Rapid City, SD, and Maridell Standish (Tom) Sioux City, IA.;
Grandchildren Cindi Fortin (Tip), Jamey Fortin, Stephanie Hickens (Brad), Steven Hickens (Amanda) all of Rapid City. Trevor Hickens (Katie) Sioux Falls, Travis Hickens Rapid City. Tara Sirles (Warren) Box Elder, SD; great grandchildren Tristan and Lyndee Welsch, Summer and Chevelle Hickens, Seth and Lukas Hickens, of Rapid City, SD. Everlee Hickens, Sioux Falls, SD. Hailey Thompson and Brandon Sirles, Box Elder, SD; great-great grandchildren Bentley Weller and Lainey Hickens of Rapid City. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Gary, infant daughter Joni, and son Terry Hickens.
Joy resembled her mother, Mary and grandmother, Mable and never spoke a bad word about another person. She was soft-spoken, Christian, intelligent.... the keeper of generational family stories that will be missed.
A memorial service was held June 6, 2022, at Basham Funeral Chapel in Wessington Springs with Pastor Don Grubb officiating.
Burial was at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Wessington Springs.