Joyce Ann Kleidosty

Joyce “Hert” Kleidosty was born on January 13, 1943, to Ralph and Catherine Hert. She was the youngest of three children, joining her siblings Ralph and LaVonne, whom she loved dearly. Joyce was raised in South Omaha and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in 1961. Her strong and devout Catholic faith, formed in those early years, remained a guiding presence throughout her life. In February of 1964, Joyce married the love of her life, Lawrence “Butch” Kleidosty, at St. Joseph’s Church. Together, they dreamed of a large family and were soon blessed with four cherished children, Susie, Jerry, Danny, and Jenny, who became her greatest purpose and joy. Joyce was a devoted wife and mother and was happiest when surrounded by her family. She had a remarkable ability to bring calm to chaos and often knew just what to say. She listened with care, offered wisdom with kindness, and became a steady voice of comfort and guidance for so many. Joyce expressed her creativity through her love of painting ceramics, filling her home with beautiful, hand crafted pieces. Some were shared as gifts, while others were treasured and displayed. She also had a patient and determined mind, which she channeled into completing intricate jigsaw puzzles, often 2,000 to 3,000 pieces, many of which she proudly framed. In later years, she found joy and challenge in playing Mahjong. On Friday afternoons, she and her beloved dog, Belle Winnie, could often be found at the San Susie Room at Swanson Tower, where she gathered with her cherished, though spiritedly competitive, group of friends. Together, they shared laughter, support, and many meaningful moments, including travel and companionship. Joyce loved deeply and abundantly. She treasured traveling with family and friends to places such as Europe, Australia, and Hawaii. She delighted in calling loved ones on their birthdays to sing “Happy Birthday,” often adding her signature line, “Stand up, stand up, stand up and show me your face, your face!” A memory many of her children and grandchildren have lovingly preserved. She also had a special gift for hospitality, opening her home to countless family members and friends over the years. While an exact number may be hard to determine, it is certain that many were welcomed and cared for within her home. Her love for her family extended through generations. She adored her seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren and found great joy in attending their activities and events in every season. Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith. Her generous heart had an extraordinary capacity to love, to give, to listen, and to forgive. She will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her phone ringing loudly to “Volare,” often sparking laughter in the moment, her colorful, stylish glasses, her gentle giggle, and most of all, her radiant smile that seemed to enter a room before she did. She had soft, comforting hands, and during the Lord’s Prayer at Mass, she would gently squeeze the hands she held as a small but meaningful gesture of connection and love. Family was the center of Joyce’s life. She cherished time spent with her friends and family, both those she raised and the many she embraced along the way. Anyone fortunate enough to know Joyce was welcomed with open arms, a warm hug and unconditional love. One more tiny detail about Joyce, though her shoes were small, we will spend a lifetime trying to fill them. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband; Lawrence "Butch" Kleidosty and daughter; Jenny Dougherty. She is survived by her loving children; Susan Anglim, Jerry (Robyn) Kleidosty, and Daniel (Ronald Manes) Kleidosty, son-in-law; Bob Dougherty, 7 Grandchildren; Anna, Jake, Keely, Susie, Liam, Payton, and Isabel, and 11 Great Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to Christ the King Catholic Church or to St. Jude Research Hospital.

Joyce Ann Kleidosty

January 13, 1943 - March 20, 2026