Joyce Lynn Klatt

Joyce Laurene Klatt passed away at the age of ninety-two on March 7, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Louis Vincent Klatt, who departed in 1992. Joyce was born December 10, 1926, in Colton, California to parents Escalene and Barton Lynn. Her family included her older brother, Milford. Her mother tragically passed away when she was 13, and her father remarried Mabel Lynn. Her family lovingly expanded to include step-siblings Bob and Ellen May Thomason.

Joyce graduated from Colton Union High School, attended San Bernardino Valley College, and graduated from Mercy College of Nursing in San Diego in January of 1948. She and Louis began their marriage in 1947. Her nursing career included working for Dr. Ballard & Dr. Jennings, Dr. Lowell, Dr. Orr, and the Southern Indian Health Council in Alpine, California.

Joyce was a resident of San Diego for 74 years. She helped build the community by volunteering her time taking leadership positions with round dancing and square dancing clubs, and she presented lessons to school children for the Natural History Museum. She also volunteered as an usher at Bayside Performance Park in Seaport Village. Moreover, she was a member of the San Diego Zoological Society.

She enjoyed an active social life playing golf, square and round dancing, playing bridge, reading, crocheting Afghans, and knitting custom sweaters for friends and family. She loved to travel and visited Hawaii, China, Japan, Germany, Costa Rica, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and took a river boat tour in Europe.

For the last ten years, Joyce lived with her son, Bart. Together, the two worked to complete Joyce’s “Bucket List” such as trips to the desert to see wild flowers, national parks, Catalina to see the flying fish, the California missions, a bi-plane ride over San Diego, and three trips to the Grand Canyon. They also attended wine conferences in Portland, Santa Rosa, Monterey, and the awards at the Del Mar Fair.

Joyce is survived by her son, Bart Klatt; her son, Michael Klatt; his wife, Ruby Klatt; her grandson, Justin Klatt; his wife, Emily Perkins; her grandson, Alan Klatt; and his wife, Shannon Glendenning. Her laughter, strong will, and enthusiasm will continue to be an inspiration to all she knew and will be sorely missed. Joyce will be interred at the Riverside National Cemetery next to her loving husband. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the San Diego Zoological Society or the American Cancer Society.