Joyce Whelan

Joyce Caroline Whelan, 89, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away August 31, 2020. She was born May 28, 1931 in Lake Benton, Minnesota, to Wharton and Bernice Scheiber Rhinesmith.

Joyce moved with her family to central Iowa at the age of six. She graduated from Grundy Center High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College and taught in a one room country school. She and her husband lived in Laurel, Waterloo, and Evansdale Iowa. Louis rejoined the Army and the family lived in Kansas, Louisiana, Iowa, California, Texas, Alabama and Colorado.

As an adult, Joyce joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved serving in the church. She especially loved working with children and youth. She taught early morning seminary and served as a temple worker in the Denver Temple for 13 years. She loved to read, do puzzles, sing silly songs and play games with her grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her eleven children, Jacalyn Whelan, Jan Blinn, Thomas Whelan, Jean Shurtz, John Whelan, James Whelan, Laurie Herbst, Randall Whelan, Daniel Whelan, Mark Whelan and Michael Whelan; 39 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; brothers Larry and Harvey Rhinesmith; nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; 2 granddaughters; her parents; brothers Dean, William and Danny Rhinesmith and sister Carol Taylor.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, a FAMILY ONLY Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4955 Meadowland Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO  80918.  The service will be live streamed and can be watched by clicking on the following Zoom link, just prior to 12Noon on Saturday: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84936467662 The Meeting ID: 849 3646 7662

A PUBLIC visitation will be held on Saturday, at the Church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Those who attend are asked to please wear a mask.

Joyce will be laid to rest with her husband at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, Colorado. If you choose to attend, please gather in staging area 'A' by 10:50 a.m. and don't forget your mask. Thank you!

To share memories of Joyce and/or condolences with her family, you are invited to access the tribute wall to sign the online guestbook. Thank you!