Joyce A. Bogard 79, of Galesburg Illinois died on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10:38 a.m. at her home surrounded by her daughters.
She was born on August 27, 1944, in Galesburg, Illinois to Pete and Ann (Rosenberry) Hopping Sr. She married Robert “Bob” Bogard on July 14, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2015.
Joyce grew up in East Galesburg, Illinois. She graduated in 1962 from Knoxville High School and then married Bob. Joyce became an Air Force wife and their first home was in Lincoln, Nebraska. They lived in several states including Tennessee and Alabama. One of the greatest adventures of their lives was living in the Philippines during the Vietnam war. There they made many lifelong friends who also served in the Airforce and experienced a very different culture and a beautiful island.
Joyce and Bob moved to London Mills, Illinois after leaving the military life. Eventually they moved back to the Knoxville area for many years. In 1987 they moved to Flemington, New Jersey where they grew their Chimney Savers business and made many wonderful memories with new friends and lots of visits from friends and family from Illinois. Many trips were taken to the Statue of Liberty, Washington’s Crossing State park and New York City. Everyone was always welcome to come and stay. Joyce loved hosting friends, family and especially grandkids in her home. In 2001 Joyce and Bob moved back to Illinois to be close to their family.
Joyce loved to travel and over the years got to take many trips to places like Key West and the Caribbean. Most recently she was able to travel back to Flemington, NJ with her daughters and stay at the Case Family Farm where she and Bob lived for many years. From there she visited her daughter’s home in Ocean View, Delaware and spent time sightseeing and sitting on the beach.
Joyce also worked various other jobs in the area including a school bus driver for the Knoxville School District and the Knox County Nursing Home laundry. Her main occupation was wife, mother and grandmother which she loved.
Joyce was a member of Community Bible Church of Knoxville, Illinois and for the last decade was a faithful attender of a Monday morning Bible study at her dear friend Agnes Kimbell’s home. She had previously volunteered at the Knoxville Food Pantry. She was an avid yard saler and loved caring for her yard and flowers.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara (Jim) Lenz of Knoxville, Illinois, Karen Bogard-Cremeens of Farmer City, Illinois, Christine Bogard (Linda Mazzaro) of Ocean View, Delaware. Grandchildren include Hannah (Trent) Maddox of Farmer City, Illinois, Jessica Lenz of Knoxville, Illinois, Rachel Lenz of Macomb, Illinois, Kelly Lenz of Taichung, Taiwan, Josh (Kat) Lenz of Knoxville, Illinois, and Emily (Noah) Bledsoe of Wataga Illinois. Great-grandchildren Lillian Lenz, Benjamin Kimball, Brylee Maddox, Grayson Maddox, Tucker Maddox, and Eleanor Lenz. She also left behind Sister-in-law Judy Clayton. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and 1 brother, Pete “Sonny” Hopping Jr.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Knoxville Food Pantry. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory have been entrusted with her wishes. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
