Joy Louise Krumdieck

Born March 12, 1933 in Versailles, Missouri, the daughter of Gladys Louise Stone and Forest White, she was the third child of four. Recognized as an exceptionally talented young girl, Joy’s early piano skills were honed in an unheated parlor where hat, heavy coat, and often times gloves, were a necessity. At 10 years old her family moved to Oregon and soon after she met the love of her life, Ken, at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School in Eugene. She continued to excel academically, musically, and socially while attending South Eugene High School. Joy was handpicked to be among a select group of students given a special tour and scholarship consideration at the University of Oregon for her abilities. Meanwhile she also found time to be a High School cheerleader, and during her senior year, earned the distinction of being named Miss South Eugene High. In the end, she chose not to attend U of O and shortly after graduation Joy married Kenneth Theodore Krumdieck on November 18, 1951. Then the adventures really began. Just three years into their young marriage with a two-year-old, daughter, Cynthia Kay Hall, and a newborn daughter, Pamela Joy Jensen, in tow, they sold all they had and moved to Hawaii before it received statehood. Never doing things in a small way, they rented a bungalow right on Waikiki Beach. That property is now home to the rainbow tower Hilton Hawaiian Village. Stories abound of sunset beach walks listening to music emanating from the Royal Hawaiian and the radio show “Hawaii Calls” from under the banyan tree at the Moana Hotel. It was true bliss. And of course, while there, Joy quickly learned the ukulele and frequently entertained Ken with songs such as “The Hukilau.” Returning back to Eugene, their third and final child, Kevin Don, was born and now Joy’s prodigious talents were laser focused on being a homemaker caring for her husband and three children. By our estimation, no one has ever done it better. Her priorities were firmly established; God first, family second and work next. She and Ken ensured their family attended the Lutheran Church every Sunday and Joy taught her children Bible stories and prayers every evening. She played the piano for the choir, children’s programs and taught herself how to play the organ. From then on, Joy played the church organ every Sunday for 15+ years unselfishly and without ever receiving compensation. She did it purely out of her love for her Lord. As musically talented as she was, her real gift was “loving her neighbor.” She exuded a genuine kindness, gentleness and sincerity that drew others to her. She communicated pleasantries with such ease and respectability that made others feel immediately comfortable. She possessed an innate humility and was the biblical definition of meekness without being weak. Although ‘meek,’ she had the ability to be fierce and it was most often evident in the protection of her faith, family, and any young child. Sewing clothes and beautiful prom dresses for her daughters, taking her kids to countless cheerleading and sporting practices, and never missing their games or performances, Joy was the mom the other moms turned to for assistance. Her home was always immaculate, with breakfast, school lunches, and dinner meals freshly prepared every day. As her own children grew, she re-entered the workforce as one of Ashland High School’s administrative secretaries, and then moved on to be the Executive Secretary for the President of Southern Oregon College. She was beloved by all. Additionally, Joy found happiness in gardening and her outdoor plants and flowers were impressive. Her children’s friends always wanted to come to the Krumdieck home because it had a welcoming, peaceful and warm feeling about it as soon as you walked through the door…it was amazing and so was she. We were blessed. After receiving snow skiing lessons as a 25th wedding anniversary gift from their children, Joy and Ken, who were always physically fit for their age, became accomplished snow skiers. While Joy was modest about her skill level, she could handle a ‘black diamond run’ on Mt. Ashland or Mt. Bachelor where they frequently skied. There was seemingly nothing she could not do well, and that spirit of possibility, determination and discipline was a high standard expected of herself, modeled daily and yet not a standard to which she held others. Grandchildren soon arrived - Anjanette (Hall) Duke; Ryan Hall; Tiffany (Jensen) Lance; Hayley Jensen; Kaia (Krumdieck) Hill. Joy was simply delighted and poured out her love on each and every one. Visits with “Gram” were anxiously awaited and each one a treasured memory. With kids scattered all over the country and some overseas, she never missed sending a birthday card or Christmas gift. She enjoyed shopping and always seemed to find the cutest things just right for each child. Great Grandchildren arrived as well - Ava and Rory Hall, Lennon and London Lance. Her love for all of them knew no bounds. She and Ken lived in many homes throughout Oregon, with residences in Eugene, Medford, Ashland, Rainier, Bend, and Stayton. For one entire year they enjoyed living aboard a 32-foot sailboat exploring coves and small towns around Puget Sound. Most of her life she lived in custom homes built by Ken and her knowledge of the needs of a homemaker were invaluable as Ken designed the interiors…they were an unmatched team. Finally, Joy was faithful, inspirational and a witness to the end. Courageous and brave in the last months of her cancer battle, confident in her Lutheran theology of grace alone and not works, we know she is now safe in the arms of Jesus and has heard the words, “well done, good and faithful servant.” And for those of us still waiting on this side of Glory, heaven is even nearer now, because one that we dearly love is there. We selfishly miss her terribly but take comfort in knowing she has crossed the finish line and is rejoicing greatly. Joy is proceeded in death by her mother and father, older sister, Willeta Glee Rath, older brother, Forest Gene White, and younger brother, Donald White and survived by husband Ken, daughters Cynthia Hall and Pamela Jensen (Scott), son Kevin Krumdieck (Sharon), 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations to the following would be appreciated: Messiah Lutheran Church 4965 Indiana Ave NE Salem, OR 97305 503.362.4960 Messiahlcms.org Thank you.