JOYCE, Robert E.

Robert E. Joyce May 13, 1955 – June 4, 2016 Robert E. Joyce, a native of Lincoln and resident of Omaha, passed away on June 4, 2016 following a three and one-half year battle with pancreatic cancer. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Bob Joyce pursued careers in video, insurance, and his passion, aviation. His desire to fly was quite natural as his father, Richard O. Joyce, was the pilot of plane number 10 on the Tokyo Doolittle Raid. Bob was never happier than when he was behind the yoke of a plane. He was a skilled multi-engine instrument rated pilot, who had over 30 years of flight experience. Bob’s love of aviation was a gift that he shared with his sons, Skip and Andy. A week prior to his passing, Bob served as co-pilot for his son, Skip, as they flew up to the family lake cabin in Minnesota. While Bob was passionate about aviation, Bob loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends. Bob’s positive and captivating personality naturally attracted the attention of any room in which he entered. Bob was also a fabulous storyteller. It was practically impossible to have a straight face when you were around Bob. He just had a million stories and adventures that would keep you laughing for days. No matter how long a person knew Bob, he had the ability to establish a genuine connection within minutes and to make that person feel like most important person on the planet. Bob had a uniquely strong relationship with his wife, Kathy. Kathy and Bob were married for 35 years and raised three children together. Their love for each other and love for their family was unwavering. Kathy and Bob made each other stronger as they fought their respective battles with cancer. Throughout the final years of Bob’s life, Kathy and Bob flew around the country, hiked mountains, and biked countless trails together. To the very end, Bob was determined to live on his own terms. Bob was also dedicated to improving the Omaha community. Bob served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Omaha and the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy; three children, Kasey Grelle (Dave) of St Louis, Andy Joyce (Sydney) of Lincoln, and Skip of Omaha (fianceé Katy); grandson, Julian Grelle; sister, Christine Kollenberg of Houston; and brother, Todd Joyce of Louisville. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 7th, from 6pm to 8pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd. MEMORIAL SERVICE Wednesday, June 8th at 10:30am at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Boys and Girls Club.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER BEL AIR CHAPEL 12100 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68144 (402) 391-3900

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