Joyce Prechtel (Lyon)

Joyce completed her life in this world on February 8, 2018 in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born on January 9, 1930 to Edythe and the Rev. Carl Bernhard Lyon in Owosso, Michigan. She was a student at Owosso High School through her junior year. Her father became pastor at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Battle Creek and Joyce spent her senior year at Battle Creek Central High School, graduating in 1947. Her high school activities included being a drum majorette. She married Paul S. Britton in 1947. Her young adulthood included being very active in politics. She became the state chairwoman for the Young Republicans and served on the Michigan Republican State Committee. Joyce became at the time the youngest presidential elector in the history of the United States, voting for Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. She married Major Earl O. Prechtel in 1962. They were married until his death in 2002. She shared with him many activities related to retired officers and their ladies. They loved world travel and wintering in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her work life included being the office manager for 16 years for the late Dr. Fred Kopelman. Joyce’s church membership included Central Christian Church, Lakeview Baptist Church, and since 1977 she was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She completed a two-year program with the Upper Room’s Academy for Spiritual Formation and from that program founded the Companions group at St. Thomas Episcopal Church which has continued for many years. She also was a member of St. Mary’s Circle and as a fundraiser for repairs of the church and breast cancer she was Ms. February for The Belles of St. Mary 2005 Calendar. Joyce is survived by sons:  Daniel (Ruth Meyers), Eric (Barbara Hettich), and Hans Prechtel, grandchildren: Tim (Renae) Prechtel, Kirsten (Rob Atkinson) Lyon, Gerald Prechtel-Meyers, Maya Prechtel, and Sigrid Crowel, as well as great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother Halvard Lyon, nieces, nephews, and many friends.  A Requiem Eucharist will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 11:30 a.m.  Memorial gifts can be given to the Salvation Army or to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 16 E. Van Buren St., Battle Creek, Michigan 49017.  Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org