Joy Eileen Rincker Lenz (99) of Strasburg

Joy Eileen Rincker Lenz, 99, of Strasburg, IL, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. She joined her beloved husband Erwin and other loved ones who went before her.

Left to cherish her memories are her children: Larry and wife Patsy of Strasburg, Margaret Swank of Neoga, Arlene McCormick and husband Ferd of Stewardson, and Cathy Allen and husband David of Arthur; 10 grandchildren: Trena Hatcher and husband Wayne of West Point, VA, Timothy Lenz and wife Delreen of Strasburg, Larry Swank and wife Angel of Effingham, Cari Fearday and husband Kriss of Sigel, Shari Fearday and husband Stan of Sigel, Heath McCormick and wife Autumn of Shumway, Nick McCormick and wife Kelly of Strasburg, Rachel Allen of Arthur, Daniel Allen of Fayetteville, AR, and Christy Allen of Overland Park, KS; 17 great grandchildren: Caleb, Seth, and Ethan Hatcher; Payton, Emma Joy, Kaden, Adam, Avery, Colton, Brock, and Evan Fearday; John Swank; Claire, Ross, Colby, Lorelei, and Maxwell McCormick. Also surviving are her two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Rincker and Betty Giberson.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Erwin John Herman Lenz; brothers, Everett Rincker and wife Marie; Carl Rincker, and Gaylord Rincker; sisters, Evelyn Schrock and husband Edwin; and Davida Edwards and husband Lynn; brother-in-law, Martin Lenz and wife Lillian; sister-in-law, Carolyn Wallace and husband Jim; and son-in-law, Bill Swank.

Joy was born August 18, 1919, in rural Windsor to Anna (Pfeiffer) and David Rincker. She attended elementary school at Prairie Country School close to her home and drove a horse and buggy to finish her eighth grade education at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Strasburg so she could be confirmed into the church. As the oldest child in the family, she worked on the family farm and helped care for her five younger brothers and sisters until she married her family’s hired hand, Erwin, December 6, 1936.

Joy’s walk through this life reflected her strong faith, service, and love for others. She helped her husband with farming and raising cattle and hogs. Joy was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg where she was an active member of the Ladies Aid Society. She served in many offices and helped serve many suppers, auction lunch stands, and funeral and wedding luncheons. She was on the committee that collected soap at local motels and packed it for missions and helped with Braille. She enjoyed helping make blankets for mission organizations and would often work on them at home.

Joy enjoyed being a homemaker and always made family and friends feel welcome. She especially loved cooking, baking, gardening and tending her flowers. Her favorite hobby was hand piecing and hand quilting quilts especially the flower garden pattern. She unselfishly gave all these away to her family and friends. She was able to live alone in her home in Strasburg until January 2019, and drove her car until she was 98. Since then, she has made her home at Hawthorne Inn in Shelbyville where she enjoyed the other residents and especially appreciated the excellent care she received.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 4 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg, IL with Rev. Gary Fortkamp officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, and also from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Sunday all in the church. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Strasburg, IL. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or St. Paul’s Ladies Aid.

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