Joyce Irene Newman

Joyce I. Newman, age 90, of Rochester, MN died Friday, July 30, 2021 at The Mayo Clinic Methodist campus, with her loving family by her side. Joyce Irene Newman was born April 1, 1931 in Westbrook, MN the daughter of Hugo and Emma (Spielman) Schmalz. Joyce was baptized on April 26, 1931 and confirmed on April 2, 1944. She was a 1948 graduate of Westbrook High School, graduating as salutatorian. Joyce continued her education, and went on to obtain her degree in 1950 from Mankato State Teachers College and Winona State University in 1989. Joyce was united in marriage to David Newman on June 16, 1951 in Dundalk, MD. They lived in Rochester, MN from 1957 to 1986 and then Sand Prairie on the Mississippi near Wabasha. In 1996, they returned to Rochester. Joyce began her career of nurturing and educating young children as an elementary school teacher. In 1967 she found her passion as a teacher at Aldrich Memorial Nursery School (now Aldrich School) where she taught for 24 years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in East Orange NJ, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, where she served on the church council, Faith Lutheran of Wabasha, serving on the church council and also served as Congregational President. In 1997 she became a member of Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester. Joyce was a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and a member of Samaritan Bethany Auxiliary. She spent countless hours volunteering her time. She was a nurturing, caring and empathetic wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Above all, family always came first and David and Joyce exemplified a perfect lifelong partnership. Joyce is survived by her children, Mikael (Carol) Newman of Rochester, MN, Lisa (Mark) Menke of Annandale, MN; two grandchildren, Megan (Dan) Sandgren of Wyoming, MN and Jason (Samantha) Born of Rochester, MN three great grandchildren, Emilia and Elizabeth Sandgren, Bennett Born; and extended family. Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, David Newman; sisters, Mabel Engen, Lucyle Tabbert, Opal Parker, Mavis Bratt and brother, Melvin Schmalz. Funeral services will be held 11:30 on Monday August 9, 2021 at Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Ave. SW, Rochester, MN with Rev. Vern Christopherson officiating. The service will be livestreamed at Zumbrolutheran.org. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldrich School, Zumbro Lutheran Church or Samaritan Bethany. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Newman family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com