Obituary of Joyce DeMaro
DEMARO JOYCE
Joyce DeMaro, age 96, of Yankton, SD passed away early Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD.
Joyce Denfeld was born on June 13, 1928, in Benson, MN, to Gilbert (Gib) and Joy (Tornquist) Denfeld.
Joyce’s pioneer spirit developed early, growing up on a farm north of Sioux Falls, SD. She was the only girl in a class of 3 students that attended a little country school. Joyce was a talented seamstress, cook, and knitter. She knitted the most beautiful sweaters, and her world-famous dish cloths will be used and cherished for years to come.
Joyce earned her BA degree in English from Yankton College in 1950.
She influenced many young minds in her teaching career that ran from 1950-1956.
While attending college she met Larry Savage. The two were married in 1951. From 1950-1956 Joyce taught and worked various jobs to support Larry’s pursuit of a doctorate degree. They lived in Chicago, Seattle, and 11 different countries in Europe before settling down in Yankton in 1965 to raise a family.
From 1951-1954 Joyce and Larry lived with other medical students in Vermillion, SD, in small trailers left over from WWII. Each had a tiny oil burner, but no running water. They considered themselves “lucky” as their trailer was right next to the central restrooms (women on one side/men on the other), which made “winter visits” to the showers more bearable.
In 1960 Joyce and Larry adopted Kim. They moved to Seattle and shortly afterwards left for Europe where Larry continued his surgical training. They were based in England, residing in small flats, but for 3 months they traveled to various countries and lived in a little rented trailer towed by their trusty Red Volkswagen Beetle. After a year they returned to Seattle and adopted Chris in 1963.
In 1965 the family relocated to Yankton where they bought their beloved house in the woods. Joyce worked at The Treasure Chest for several years and then as a part-time secretary for 22 years in the Nursing Program at Mount Marty College.
After Larry passed away in 1978, Joyce joined a support group called “Beginning Experiences” where she met Tony DeMaro. The two made great partners and were married in 1980. They enjoyed their lives at the house in the woods and formed strong friendships with wonderful neighbors. You could often find Joyce and Tony walking along the lake.
Joyce had a strong faith and loved books, music, wildlife and researching family history and ancestry. She never missed an opportunity to play a great game of Scrabble.
Joyce was a member of several book clubs and was a devoted member of PEO.
She loved her family and friends very much. Her sunny personality and warm smile will live on in our hearts forever. She will be greatly missed. A special thank you to her dear friends for helping her and to the angels at Majestic Bluffs/Avera for keeping her in their loving care.
Joyce is survived by her daughter: Kimberlee (Bob) Dickson, her son: Christopher Savage, her granddaughter: Josephine Savage, and 3 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Savage, her husband: Anthony (Tony) DeMaro, her brother: Col. Richard (Dick) Denfeld, and her brother: Gilbert (Gib) Denfeld.
A private graveside service will be held with the family at a later date. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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