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In Memory

Joyce Arlene Cutner (Muckenfuss) - Class Of 1954 VIEW PROFILE

Joyce Arlene Cutner (Muckenfuss)

Joyce Arlene (Cutner) Muckenfuss

June 9, 1936     ~     November 27, 2023

On Nov. 27, 2023, much-loved wife and mother Joyce Muckenfuss passed peacefully from the world in Santa Clarita, surrounded by family. She was 87.

Born Joyce Arlene Cutner in South Bend, Indiana, June 9, 1936, she led a full and active life that was devoted as much to her family as it was to her professional and civic pursuits. She graduated from South Bend's Riley High School in 1954 and went on to study at the University of Indiana Bloomington for two years before marrying Paul Muckenfuss. They remained a deeply devoted and loving couple throughout their lives and marked their 67th wedding anniversary on Sept. 1 of this year. They had many friends and enjoyed hosting parties. They also loved to travel and ventured to many countries around the world.

Three years after moving to California in 1965, Joyce began work as a substitute teacher in Rialto, where the family lived. She also began taking evening courses at Cal State San Bernardino. After earning her degree in education and a teaching credential, she went to work for the Riverside Unified School District, first as a sixth-grade teacher at Hyatt Elementary and later as a resource instructor. After earning her degree in counseling, she worked in that role at Gage Middle School until retiring in 1995.

Less than a year later she went back to work as a student teacher evaluator. No one who knew her was surprised. She had a deep need to stay active, to do meaningful work and to give back to her community. She often asked, "What can you do for others?" and was always dedicated to serving and caring for those she loved and those in need.

She was a lifelong member of her college sorority Alpha Phi, a member of PEO and of a long list of civic and volunteer organizations - including Meals on Wheels. For several years, she helped organize and teach groups of Japanese high school students who came to the United States for an immersive language experience. She was also intensely devoted to the Lutheran Church and lent her singing voice to the choir for many years. While living in Redlands from 1976 to 2001, she was a member of First Lutheran Church and organized its 100th anniversary celebration. She also wrote a book on the history of the church.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, daughters, Kathy DeGonia of Grand Junction, Colorado, Pam Herrmann (husband Tom) of Stockton, and Leanne Bowers (husband Al) of Lancaster, a son, Mark of Monterey, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her older brother, Lawrence (wife Donna), preceded her in death earlier this year. She is also survived by her younger brother, Lauren (wife Connie) of Banning.

A remembrance celebration will be held at 11 a.m., Jan. 20, at Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert.

Donations may be made in her honor to PEO International, (designate Chapter RD) an organization that promotes education and leadership for women, or to Hope Lutheran Church.

Posted online on January 05, 2024

Published in The Desert Sun

3/13/2024 djb

https://www.desertsun.com/obituaries/pyrk0679167



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