Obituary of Joy E. Kaefring

Joy Ellen (Morford) Kaefring, 82, or rural Oxford, passed away peacefully October 12, 2025. She was surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of deep love and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

Memorial services will be held at a later date sometime in the spring of 2026, at St. Peters Catholic Church in Cosgrove.  For additional details continue to check Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Born September 30, 1943, in Davis County, Iowa, Joy was the daughter of Arch and Vivian (Smith) Morford. Her early years were spent in southern Iowa before her family moved and eventually settled in the Cosgrove area, where she graduated with the Class of 1961 from Cosgrove High School. On April 27, 1963, she married the love of her life, Raymond J. Kaefring, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and the enduring values of farm life.

Joy never needed much to be content, she “had the world” in her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, especially women’s basketball, and recently found new excitement cheering on the Indiana Fever. She enjoyed being outside, going to Florida in the winter and wouldn’t pass up a good glass of Moscato wine!

Joy is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Ray; their children, Shelly Michel (Doug), Randy Kaefring (Barb), and Kevin Kaefring (Jennifer); grandchildren, Rebecca Kaefring (fiancé Blake Gunderson), Lindsey Kaefring, Jacob Michel (Jackie), Josh Michel (Emily), and Grant Kaefring; great-grandchildren, Tenley Hora, Makoy Kaefring, Beau Michel, and Clay Michel; and her sister, Jane Gent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Keith Morford, Jeanne Yeries, and Janice Maier.

Joy’s quiet strength, her deep-rooted kindness, and her boundless love for her family will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be dearly missed but joyfully remembered.