Obituaries : Joyce Irene (Fennern) Gahring

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Irene (Fennern) Gahring, age 84, on Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

Per Joyce's request, there are no funeral services planned.

Joyce was born on May 3, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, to Waldo "Buster" and B. Lucille (Joyce) Long. On August 23, 1986 she was united in marriage to Larry Gahring in Cedar Rapids. Joyce and Larry purchased the Wagon Wheel in Atkins shortly after their marriage, and Joyce operated it for 17 years, until 2002.

Joyce was a very social person and liked spending time with family and friends. She loved animals and enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels in her neighborhood.

She is survived by her husband Larry of Atkins; children, DeAnn Welbes of Atkins, Randy Fennern of Vinton, Angela (Carl) Bright of Watkins, Daryn Fennern of Atkins; grandchildren, Joy (Greg) Zanker, Katie (Chris) Brown, Jaynee (Travis) Thompson, Zackeray Fennern, Tyler Fennern, Baylee (Taylor) Studt, McKenzy Callan; 12 great-grandchildren; step-children, Karie (Shannon) Kelty and Chris (Daleea) Gahring and their families; her sister, Gloria Kammerer of Lake St. Louis, MO; brother, Larry "Looper" Long of Van Horne; sister-in-law Nancy Long of Vinton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Bert, Gene, and Ronnie Long; and her sister, Coleen Hertel.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com