Joyce Louise Niederee, 88, passed away on July 6, 2021, in her birthplace of Larned. She was born November 30, 1932, to Albert and Mary (Strecker) Schartz. 

A Great Bend resident since 1960, Joyce worked at the Retired Senior Volunteer Program from 2008 until she retired in 2012 coordinating fellow volunteers to help those in need. She had previously worked for Wildegen & Smith Attorneys, Mutual of Omaha and was a secretary in the Athletic Department at Barton Community College. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Altar Society, Medical Auxiliary, and PEO.  

Joyce was most proud of her five sons who blessed her with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As her family grew, she was committed to keeping her own family traditions alive and building a foundation for her extended family to form enduring bonds of their own. When Joyce wasn’t present at one of her grandchildren’s many activities or praying for those who were ill at the hospital, she was often found tending to her roses, vegetable garden, and impeccably manicured lawn. 

Survivors include five sons, Michael Niederee and wife Laura of Winfield, Dr. David Niederee and wife Cindy of Derby, Dr. William “Bill” Niederee and wife Robin of Great Bend, Thomas “Tom” Niederee and wife Dr. Laurie of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Dr. Mark Niederee and wife Myra of Wichita; a brother, A.W. “Bill” Schartz, Jr. of Larned; two sisters, Jane Bahr and husband Marvin of Kansas City, Mo., and Eileen Weiss and husband John of Lawrence; fourteen grandchildren, Amanda Eilders (Cole), Dr. Jessica Katzfey, DMD (Dr. Thomas), Hannah Holovach (Blake), Ben Niederee (Catie), Joe Niederee (Maura), Amy Niederee, Katlyn Rosborough (Jonathan), Dr. Allison Niederee, Sarah Niederee, Elyse Niederee, Trent Niederee, Jack Niederee, Lizzie Niederee, and Will Niederee; and nine great-grandchildren, Eva Eilders, Callan Eilders, Cora Eilders, Nicholas Niederee, Margaret Niederee, Eileen Niederee, Bridget Niederee, Frances Niederee, and James Rosborough. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Heath Niederee; great grandchild Molly Grace Katzfey; and sister-in-law, Patricia Schartz. 

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, July 9, 2021, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Altar Society rosary at 4 p.m. and Vigil service and rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend, with Father Aneesh, MSFS presiding. Memorials have been designated to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 7, 2021