Joy was born May 10, 1951, in Deadwood to Dr. Thomas H. "Doc" and June (Stolberg) Proctor. While growing up in Deadwood, she was a member of the Deadwood swim team and traveled around the country winning countless swim meets as she went. Rumor has it she posted qualifying times for the Olympic Games in one particular event.
After graduating from Deadwood High School in 1969, Joy enrolled at BHSU and majored in music and physical education. She was a member of the BH homecoming royalty, a cheerleader, and was the first coach for the women’s basketball program at BH. Joy served many years on the BHSU Alumni Association Board. Her involvement with the University developed into a lifetime love and passion for the students, faculty, Swarm Day and many other university events.
Joy met Harvey Krautschun at BH and who knew what a life they would lead together. They were married on August 11, 1973, and to the marriage two children were born, Bart and Jamie. Joy was a totally devoted wife and mother. She taught Physical Education and Music in the Lead-Deadwood and Spearfish Schools, and later became Harv’s full time “boss” in their financial services business. From this role, she became an active member in the Spearfish Chamber Ambassadors.
Joy was very involved in coaching sports from soccer to gymnastics and was there every day for both Bart and Jamie. Joy picked kids up from school and would haul her soccer team to practice in her Ford pickup known as “the silver bus.” She coached her son’s soccer teams to two State Championships and helped her daughter set numerous records in track and field. She and Harvey hauled dozens of kids to-and-from sporting events across the state. All the kids loved to ride with the Krautschuns, because Harvey would get there fast and Joy always had the best snacks!
Joy and the family faced a huge challenge in 1995, when she suffered a heart arrhythmia. She was in a coma for several weeks. Joy spent several years in very intensive therapy where she learned to walk, talk, read and write all over again. She and several helpers, friends and family spent the next 18 years working to build and maintain her strength and conditioning. She loved children and was involved in the reading program in the Spearfish Elementary Schools. She also volunteered at the Spearfish Food Pantry. Joy was able to enjoy eight wonderful grandchildren and spoiled them all at every possible opportunity.
She lead a wonderful “Joyful, Joyfilled” life and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She had a priceless sense of humor, a love of pets, flower gardens and baking.
Joy is survived by her husband, Harvey; son, Bart (Nicole) Krautschun; daughter, Jamie (Mike) Gibson; sister, Jill Quillian; brothers, Jack (Carol) Proctor and Jerry (Chana) Proctor; and eight grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with 7 p.m. vigil services Friday, Nov. 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to benefit Bella Pregnancy Resource Center, Hospice of the Northern Hills and the Black Hills State University Joy Proctor-Krautschun Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish.
Rapid City Journal Obituary/Photograph by Sheri Sponder
