Joyce Marie (Roose) Nikkel

Joyce Marie (Roose) Nikkel was born on March 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. On 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 the 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’s families: 12 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, Joyce passed away in hospice care at Westridge Care Center at
the age of 89. 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.

Verlan and Sherrilyn Nikkel – Cory and Courtney Nikkel – Keira, Macklin
Kyle and Hanna Nikkel – Sawyer, Rowyn, Keldyn, Bowdy

Bev (and the late Jim) Van Zee – Sara Van Zee
Kimmy and Zach Marsh—Maddy, Waylon & Kinzley, Bowen

Kevin and Kathleen Nikkel- Lucas and Leah Nikkel – Hope, Elora, Reece, Isla
Kayla and Daniel Nemmers - Annabelle, Finn, Roman, Elliot

Karen and Blair Holett – Shelly and Dave Schurman – Madelyn, Addison, Elijah, Elise
Rebecca and Ross Slagter – Sophia, Aubree, Harper
Trisha Robinson – Tay, Kayleigha, David Jr.
Matt Holett

Brian and Anne Nikkel – Brianna
Zachary and Kathryn Nikkel
Grayson

Brad Nikkel

Joyce is also survived by her brother Arvin Roose, along with the following sisters-in-law and
brother-in-law: Lillian Nikkel, and Jean & Verland Engle, all of Pella.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on July 20, 1987; her parents, Gerrit and
Tena; two stepmothers: Tena and Adriana; two infant sisters; son-in-law, Jim Van Zee; step-
grandson, John Holett; and the following sisters-in-law and brothers-in law: Bonnie Roose, Judy
Roose, Kathleen (Charles) Fopma, Dewey (Betty) Nikkel, Bill Nikkel, Joyce (Gilbert) Bandstra
Memorials can be made out to Pella Christian Schools in Joyce’s name.
A memorial open house will be held at a later date.