Joyce E (Reichert) Bank

Joyce Bank, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on December 21, 1941, in Bruning, Nebraska, Joyce was the daughter of Loyd and Kathryn (Lichti) Reichert. She was raised on the family farm just east of Bruning, where she developed her lifelong values of hard work, faith, and family. Surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Joyce’s childhood was filled with joyful Sundays and holiday gatherings—times rich with love, laughter, and memories made with family.

Joyce worked alongside her parents and sister on the farm and was active in both 4-H and volleyball during her school years. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and graduated from Bruning High School in 1959.

Following graduation, Joyce moved to Lincoln with her cousin Marcia, where the two shared an apartment and love for travel, embarking on yearly trips together. While living in Lincoln, Joyce met her husband, Daniel Bank. They were married on June 16, 1963, in Bruning and eventually settled in Seward, Nebraska. Together, they owned and operated Dan’s Big A Auto Parts and raised two children, Stephen and Debra.

Joyce was involved in her children’s lives, volunteering as a Cub Scout den mother and a 4-H leader. A founding member of Faith Lutheran Church in Seward, she served her congregation faithfully—as a member of the Parish Education Committee, WELCA, and longtime church council secretary. Her commitment to community extended beyond the church through her work with Habitat for Humanity and Seward County Crimestoppers.

Later in life, Joyce and her sister Maxine traveled extensively, visiting destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, through the Panama Canal, and to 12 countries in Europe.  They treasured their time together and occasionally included their daughters in their travels. 

In her free time Joyce enjoyed working in her yard.  She enjoyed gardening and canning with her mother and mother-in-law.  She loved all her flower beds and always thought of yard work as relaxation.  Joyce also enjoyed cooking and baking for her family.  Her grandkids often had the stepstool pulled up to the counter “helping” grandma bake. 

In retirement, Joyce became an avid card player. Whether it was Pitch, Canasta, Nickels, or Rummy, she treasured the time spent with her card-playing friends—so much so that she often planned her week around those games.

Joyce is survived by her son Steve (Jennifer) Bank of Lincoln, daughter Deb (Brian) Olsen of DePere, Wisconsin, and grandchildren Justin (Kirsten) Bank, Grace (fiancé Brayden Betts) Bank, Samantha Bank, John Olsen, Mark Olsen, and her pride and joy – great grandsons Kolton Bank and Greysen Betts.  Joyce is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Jim Dusatko of McCook, sister-in-law, Joan Berggren of Lincoln and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan; parents, Loyd and Kathryn Reichert; parents-in-law, John and Sara Bank; brothers-in-law David Bank, Gale Bank, and Bruce Berggren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Magdalene (Lyle) Rauch and Ardith (Reed) Perry; and nephew Andrew Berggren.

Joyce’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and devotion to family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce E (Reichert) Bank, please visit our floral store.