Joyce E. Buytendorp

Joyce Elaine Buytendorp (née Nydam), age 91 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, passed away on October 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Joyce was born on March 13, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to August and Edna Nydam, who preceded her in death. She was one of three sisters: Lois, who passed away at age 18, and Lorraine (Earl) Magness, both also deceased. Joyce graduated as a registered nurse from Roseland Community Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1951. She began her career in the emergency room at Roseland Hospital, where she worked for nine years and often said she loved the energy and urgency of the ER. She later worked in the medical-surgical department at the University of Chicago for five years. On October 16, 1959, Joyce married Louis J. Buytendorp, a pastor in the Reformed Church. They were married for 66 years. Together they raised four children and served in ministry and community healthcare across several cities. Their marriage was a true partnership, grounded in faith and love. The couple lived in Clinton, Iowa, where Louis served Grace Community Church and Joyce worked at Jane Lamb Hospital. They later moved to Baldwin, Wisconsin, where Joyce worked at the local hospital and the Baldwin Care Center nursing home, while Louis pastored at First Reformed Church. In 1979, they relocated to Waupun, Wisconsin, when Louis was called to Trinity Reformed Church. Joyce joined the staff at the Christian Home nursing facility, eventually becoming Director of Nursing and later Administrator, a role she held until her retirement. Following her retirement, Joyce and Louis moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed a quieter chapter of life. Joyce was a remarkably talented woman. As Louis still says with pride, “She could do anything.” Joyce is survived by her husband, Louis; three children: Jim (JoAnn) Buytendorp, Nancy (Mark Johnson) Buytendorp, and John (Lila) Buytendorp; and eight grandchildren: James, Joey, Jessica, Jack, Ben, Kate, Jacob, and Zachary. She was preceded in death by her son Louis, who passed away in 1998. Joyce was known for her deep kindness, her unwavering support for her family, and her life of quiet service. She was a devoted mother, wife, nurse, and friend — and she will be deeply missed. A private family funeral will be held on Saturday October 25, 2025, at the Hospice Home of Hope, 400 County Road K, Fond du Lac. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to RCA Global Mission in Joyce’s honor.

Joyce E. Buytendorp

March 13, 1934 - October 16, 2025