P. Joyce Ruesink

P. Joyce Ruesink, age 96, of Watertown, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at a local care center.

Joyce was born on May 19, 1930, in Hamlin County, SD, to William and Susan (Wellhouse) Ruesink. She was baptized and confirmed at the Bemis Holland Presbyterian Church in Bemis, SD, and attended District 19, Grant School in Deuel County.

Joyce worked with her parents on the family farm. She moved to Watertown in 1954 and spent 21 years working at Woolworth’s in Watertown until the store closed. She later worked as a seamstress for several factories in the Watertown area until her retirement in 1995.

A talented seamstress, Joyce enjoyed sewing and proudly made many of her own clothes. She was a member of the Congregational Church in Watertown. She also loved baking, treating herself to ice cream, taking drives around the lake, and spending time with her great-great-nieces and nephews, who brought her much joy.

Grateful for having shared her life are her two nieces, Linda Joy (Bernie) Anderson, of Garden City, SD, and Deborah Ann (Gary) Cordell, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four great-nieces: Holly (Clay) Wilhelm, Alyssa (Corey) Mushiz, Kelly Cordell, and Johanna Cordell; and seven great-great-nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, William and Susan Ruesink; one brother; three sisters; and one great-nephew.

A private graveside service will be held at the Bemis Holland Presbyterian Cemetery on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel of Watertown and Hayti

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of P. Joyce Ruesink, please visit our floral store.