News : Shellsburg Mayor-Elect Joyce Pence dies; service set for Friday, at Wildcat

Joyce Pence speaks during a Shellsburg candidates forum; the Mayor-Elect died Dec. 23.

The city of Shellsburg has lost one of its friends -- and its mayor elect.

Joyce Pence died on Friday, Dec. 23, at age 70. A memorial service will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Wildcat Golf Club. Burial will be in Rector Chelsea Cemetery.

Elected as Mayor in November, Joyce would have begun that job in January. She has also been a manager and co-founder of the Shellsburg Farmers Market and an active member of the Shellsburg Area Community Group.

The council will discuss filling the mayor's position at its next meeting -- the meeting at which Joyce would have become the city's Mayor. Mayor Phillip Travis will continue to serve in that capacity until a replacement is named. The council could appoint someone to serve until the next city election, or could call for a special election to fill the vacancy.

See the obituary for Joyce Pence HERE.