Joyce Alberta Harris, 93, of rural Barneveld, passed away on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at her home.
Born on July 20, 1932, to Charles H. and Eunice (Howard) Yeager, Joyce grew up on the farm in Iowa County, where she developed a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and rural life. She and her sisters, Ruth Jungbluth, Donna Ralph, and Mary Jane Rideout, shared a remarkable bond and a sharp intellect, with each graduating at the top of their class. Joyce remained incredibly close with her sisters throughout her entire life.
On September 6, 1950, Joyce married the love of her life, William S. “Bill” Harris, at the First United Methodist Church in Mineral Point. Together, they shared a wonderful marriage that spanned more than 62 years. In 1990, they purchased a farm in the rural Blue Mounds/Barneveld area, building their dream home there in 1995. Joyce adored Bill and cherished every moment of life with him-surrounded by the peace of the outdoors, their animals, and the many trees they planted together-until his passing in 2013.
After entering the credit union industry in 1971, she became President and CEO of Madison Telco Credit Union in 1978, leading its transformation into Heartland Credit Union. During her 23 years leading Heartland, she guided the organization through tremendous growth, expanding its reach to multiple branches and serving tens of thousands of members throughout southwestern Wisconsin. Joyce was the first and only woman to serve as Chairperson of the Wisconsin Credit Union League, was inducted into the CUES Hall of Fame, and even served on the Federal Reserve Board’s Consumer Advisory Council, advising the likes of Chairman Alan Greenspan. Through it all, her graciousness shone bright as she mentored countless colleagues who became lifelong friends.
Following her retirement on June 30, 2001, Joyce focused on enjoying the outdoors, tending the farm with her husband Bill, and spending time with her sisters, nieces, nephews, and extended family. An avid and incredibly talented gardener, Joyce inherited her green thumb from her mother. Whether she was tending to her vibrant gardens and pond, feeding the birds, or just spending time outdoors, Joyce found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life outside. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her sweet cat, Callie.
Her farm was a magical getaway for her nieces and nephews, who loved exploring the barns and helping Joyce and Bill with the farm cats, dogs, and ponies. Joyce loved gathering her family and hosted the family Easter celebration every year, creating a cherished yearly tradition.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, two sisters, Donna and Ruth, brother-in-law Walter “Bud” Harris, and sisters-inlaw, Patricia Prinslow, Barbara Romero and Rosa Lee Dunbar. Joyce is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Rideout of Mineral Point, and sisterin-law, Debbie Bourgholtzer.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mineral Point. Pastor Lorri McGranahan will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 until 10:50 a.m. at the church.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Florence, Jane, Tammy, and many special people who helped care for Joyce at her home. Your kindness, love, and support meant the world to Joyce and her family.
Gorgen Funeral Home www.gorgenfh.com