Joyce (Dahlberg) Ankerberg, 92 years of age, passed away following an illness at Fairview Baptist Home (Oak Trace) in Downers Grove, IL on Wednesday, April 24, 2018.
Joyce was a faithful and loving wife to her late husband Dr. Daniel Ankerberg and a beloved and wonderful mother to her children, Dr. William Ankerberg, Former Senior pastor of the Whittier Area Community Church in Whittier, CA currently serving with the Nordic-Baltic Mission for Converge, and wife Arlie, daughter Joanne McKendrick and husband, Robert of Villa Park, IL, and daughter Carol Johnson and her husband Zane of Odebolt, IA along with 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was the dear sister of the late Ray Dahlberg, the late Betty (Mark) Stone, and Marge (Reuben) Hanson, Jane (Bruce) Carlson, and Sandra (Tom) Waarne and is survived by countless friends and other relatives who are left to cherish the wonderful memory of Joyce's godly life and service.
Born in Chicago in 1925, Joyce was a loving oldest sister and hard-working care giver to her brother and five sisters during her mother's many long illnesses. Joyce received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age during the Sunday school hour at Cuyler Covenant Church. Joyce loved God above all things and that love showed in everything she would ever do. Joyce found her calling to be a health care-giver at an early age and continued to give loving nursing care to countless others during her many years as a Registered Nurse. Joyce waited and prayed for the love of her life, Dan, while he spent four-years with the 2nd Armor Division of 1st Army on the front lines during WWII. After Dan returned, following her graduation from the Swedish Covenant Hospital's nursing program Joyce married Dan at The Gospel Tabernacle in Chicago on October 29, 1949.
Following their marriage, Dan and Joyce were in continuous full-time Christian Service together until Dan's death.  Joyce and Dan were well known in the Chicagoland area as local church pastors, and spiritual leaders to old and young for many years.  Joyce and Dan worked with Youth for Christ as International associates of Billy Graham and Torrey Johnson, as well as founding and directing the Chicago organization Hi-C, which ministered to thousands of young people across Chicago.  Joyce was always Dan's biggest fan and greatest helper throughout his ministry including his work as the Christian Education Director of the Midwest Baptist Conference, leading Camp Hickory and as pastor of Hillside Baptist Church. Joyce and Dan served until the end of their lives with Christian Concern, a ministry designed to reach those not usually reached by other ministries, including those in nursing homes and hospitals.
Joyce will be buried at a family service and laid to rest at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL on Tuesday. A celebration of life service for Joyce will be scheduled and held at a later time. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Christian Concern.
Joyce loved her Savior, her family and anyone who needed her help and care and she will be remembered as a kind, sweet, helpful person who always made any room or situation she entered a better and brighter place.