On Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026, Joyce Nikkel, 89, passed away in hospice care at Westridge Care Center. Joyce’s family thanks God for giving her to them and, in return, gives her back to live in eternal glory with her Heavenly Father. Memorials can be made out to Pella Christian Schools in Joyce’s name. A memorial open house will be held at a later date.
Joyce Marie (Roose) Nikkel was born Mar. 18, 1937. She was the oldest child of Gerrit and Tena Roose. Joyce attended Peoria Christian Grade School and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1954. Following high school, Joyce helped her dad on the farm. She also helped various families in the area who needed extra help in their homes. Feb 29, 1956, she was united in marriage with Robert G. Nikkel at her parents’ home.
To this union, six children were born: Verlan, Beverly, Karen, Kevin, Brian, and Bradley. Bob and Joyce farmed in the Sully area and northeast of Monroe before moving to Peoria in 1959. While in Peoria, Joyce babysat and worked at Pella Motor Inn from 1977 to 1979. In 1981, they moved to Pella, where she assisted Bob with numerous new home finishes and was employed at Rolscreen from 1981 to 1983. She began a long career in housekeeping at Pella Regional Health Center in 1988 and continued until 2011. Joyce had a special talent for keeping her rooms sparkling clean and helping residents feel special.
Joyce was baptized and made her profession of faith at Peoria Christian Reformed Church and was a present member of Calvary CRC. Joyce was involved with the Peoria School Circle, Calvary CRC Mission Circle, and Coffee Break. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and nature, but her greatest attribute was her faith and love for family. Joyce’s family has grown to include her six children: Verlan (Sherrilyn) Nikkel, Bev (the late Jim) Van Zee, Kevin (Kathleen) Nikkel, Karen (Blair) Holett, Brian (Anne) Nikkel, and Brad Nikkel; 12 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Joyce is also survived by her brother Arvin Roose, along with sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Lillian Nikkel, and Jean and Verland Engle, all of Pella.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Bob on July 20, 1987; her parents; two stepmothers Tena and Adriana; two infant sisters; son-in-law Jim Van Zee; stepgrandson John Holett; and the sisters-in-law and brothers-in law Bonnie Roose, Judy Roose, Kathleen (Charles) Fopma, Dewey (Betty) Nikkel, Bill Nikkel, and Joyce (Gilbert) Bandstra.
