Joyce Bland

Joyce A. Bland, 70, of Fort Wayne passed away Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne. She was born Aug. 23, 1953, in Fort Wayne to Walter and Florence Jane (Smith) Knipstein. She was married Oct. 23, 1976, at Trinity Lutheran Church to Terry M. Bland.
She was a member of Antioch Lutheran Church in Hoagland. She was employed by Hoosier Wire Die for several years and also worked for ITT Aerospace-Communications.
She loved to vacation in Florida with her family, and there are many fond memories of these trips. Her grandkids meant everything to her, and she loved to spoil them. She loved to make special cakes for family and friends, for weddings, birthdays or any other occasion. She was always ready to head to Bob Evans, Pizza Hut or KFC to enjoy a meal with her family. She also enjoyed playing Bingo and was a wiz at Sudoku puzzles.
She is survived by her two daughters, Heather (Shane) Caudill; and Kristy (Justin) Schmitt, both of Fort  Wayne; brother, DeWayne (Carole) Knipstein of Hoagland; and three grandchildren, Liberty and Justice Nelson; and Mason Caudill.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on June 16, 2013; brother, Gary Knipstein; and sister, Vena Mart.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 6 from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. at Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Oct. 7 at Antioch Lutheran Church in Hoagland. Officiating will be Pastor Fred Mueter. Burial will be at Highland Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Humane Society in Fort Wayne.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes in Decatur. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.