Joyce M. Boerger passed on to her next adventure March 1, 2026.

She was born on July 6, 1944, in Odell, Nebraska to Tony and Fern Neuman.  She is one of 5 children with sisters Pat (Craig), Dorothy (Farly), Jane (Carr) and brother Duane (Shorty).  She grew up on a farm in Barneston, NE.

Joyce was always an independent and strong woman, some might say stubborn.  She raised four children, Gene, Ed, Tim and Juli while always working full-time and part-time jobs.  Somehow, she always had time for others in need.  In fact, she was awarded the Lincoln United Way Volunteer of the Year in 1992.

She worked in various sales positions (selling shoes most of her life) and eventually settled in at the Ambassador, coordinating the activities for all to enjoy.   Joyce, having been there done that, had a unique understanding of helping people wherever they were in their own journey.

She was passionate about many things, and her efforts can be measured in “thousands”.  One of her favorite places on earth was Wildlife Safari.  She donated thousands of pictures she had taken there.  (For those of you that are young that is when they had to be sent in and printed). The residents (animals) knew her bright Blue PT Cruiser and would come to her car for the food that she had in her pocket.

Her passion for sewing began at an early age and she was very proud when she won a purple ribbon at the county fair for a dress she had sewn.  Later she began making quilts for family and friends.  Her quilts are now spread out over generations of her family, as well as those of her friends’ families, to be passed down for generations to come.

But wait, there are “thousands” more… Thousands of loaves of bread delivered to those in need through FoodNet to assure they didn’t go to waste and…

What do you do with pieces of fabric most people would throw away?  Of course, you make “thousands” of pillowcases for those in need.  The perfect item to be directed to shelters, nursing homes, overseas, churches and always family, friends, friends of friends.  You get the picture. ‘I just enjoy doing it:’ Nebraska woman sews thousands of pillow cases for people in need

Joyce will also be remembered for her generous heart, huge laugh, quick smile, crazy shirts, and for a giving heart.  The last four years living at The Legacy not only brought her new friends but provided her with a chance to help engage everyone in this close-knit community. She took it upon herself to patrol the puzzles and keep them organized.

She had said many times that she was not sure how she could have done the last legs of her journey on earth without the support of her community at The Legacy and her family.

If you met Joyce, you were given the gift of a happy memory.  Her love and kindness will continue to be remembered by all.   On the day her next adventure began, the planets were aligned and the earth in Nebraska shook.  Literally, look it up.

She joins her granddaughter, Sabrina; sister, Pat; brother, Shorty; and parents in the next life.  She is survived by her 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

There are thousands of others whose lives she helped by lending a hand, giving a pair of gloves, a meal, a pillowcase or a kind word.    When you lay down at night and put your head on the pillow, think of her.  She probably made the pillowcase.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated in Joyce’s name to Nebraska Cancer Specialists HOPE Foundation. HERE

Joyce’s Service will be livestreamed HERE