Joyce Ann Hieb

Joyce Ann Hieb, age 69, of rural Wadena, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at her home.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, MN, with Father J.C. Duncan officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Following Mass, burial of cremated remains will take place at St. Fredericks Catholic Cemetery in Verndale, MN. Those who prefer not to attend the burial are invited to remain at the church for a time of fellowship following the graveside service.

Joyce was born to Raymond & Leona (Kupfer) Carkhuff and was one of nine children. She was raised in Wadena, MN, where she built lifelong friendships and deep roots within the community. Joyce graduated with the Class of 1974 and later attended Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where she pursued her education in transcription, reflecting her diligence and strong work ethic.

Joyce was first united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Nanik. Tony passed away in 1988 at the age of 35. On May 25, 1990, Joyce was united in marriage to Jarel Hieb. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and steadfast commitment.

Faith was the foundation of Joyce’s life. Her Catholic faith was deeply meaningful to her, and she faithfully brought her family to church, a commitment she considered non-negotiable. She found comfort and strength in prayer and was known to hold hands and pray with her husband, Jarel, before bed each night. Joyce lived her faith not only in words but through her generosity, compassion, and steadfast devotion to her family.

She grew up on a farm outside of Wadena and carried that rural strength and resilience with her throughout her life. Joyce was the matriarch of her family, and there was never any doubt about who was in charge. She was the rock her family leaned on when they needed it most. Though reserved by nature, she loved fiercely and completely. She was a storyteller at heart, and it often seemed that with each person she shared a story with, she was building on it, polishing it, and making it just a little better than the last time it was told. She had a contagious laugh and a generous spirit.

Joyce found joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed crafts, knitting hats and blankets, spending time with family and friends, and searching for treasures at garage sales. Flowers were especially important to her. She and Jarel shared a love for tending their gardens, and that love could be seen throughout their homestead. Caring for her flowers brought Joyce both pride and peace. She had a playful sense of humor and “hoarded love like she hoarded clothes,” always making sure those around her felt cared for.

She is survived by her husband, Jarel Hieb; her children: Shelly (Shawn) Hegarty, Kristina (Shae) Macheel, Ben Hieb, Jeremy (Renee) Hieb, Mark Nanik, and Jeanne (Shawn) Huff.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Victoria (Jonathon) Siira, Isaac Witthun, Alexis Sundheim, Jacob Hegarty, Maggie Hegarty, Gray Nanik, Blake Sundheim, Oscar Hieb, Charlie Hieb, Corbin Huff, Connor Macheel, Brendan Macheel, Nathan Macheel, and Ryan Macheel; and by her great-grandson, Hudson Siira.

Joyce is further survived by her siblings: Mary (John) Blom, Sue (Galen) Hieb, Trish (Bruce) Steinkopf, Jim Carkhuff; and sister-in-law Diane Carkhuff; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Anthony “Tony” Nanik; her parents, Raymond & Leona (Kupfer) Carkhuff; and her brothers Bill Carkhuff, Tom Carkhuff, Butch Carkhuff, and Mike Carkhuff.

Joyce’s love, strength, unwavering faith, and the beauty she cultivated in both her family and her gardens will continue to guide her loved ones for generations to come.

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