Joyce Elaine Bauer Gilleard, 85, of New London, Iowa, died Thursday, October 9, 2025, at New London Specialty Care. She was born September 10,1940, in Burlington to Arthur Emil and Dorothy Aretha Judd Bauer. She married Gale Gilleard in 1959; they later divorced.
Joyce graduated from Danville High School and was a supervisor at the IAAP in Middletown for many years. She was of the Christian faith and a member of the New London Women’s Club and New London Women’s Bowling League. She enjoyed puzzles, playing rummy with her sisters, reading, and drinking tea and eating peach rings.
She is survived by two daughters; Terry (Jeff) Johnson and Wendy (Lonnie) Jones both of New London; three grandchildren, Whitney Greenleaf, Lance Jones, and Eli Johnson; six great-grandchildren, Lana, Jocelyn, Beckham, Cash, Liam, and Lydia; several nieces and nephews; and her loving companion, Max Kirkpatrick of New London.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene Bauer and Ralph Calhoun; and three sisters, Evelyn Sines, Linda Allen, and Lois Mohnike.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3pm, Saturday, October 18, at Burge Cemetery, with a potluck immediately following at the New London Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for EveryStep Hospice and All God’s Creatures. Joyce’s family would like to thank the wonderful EveryStep staff for the excellent care and compassion they showed during her final journey.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com