Joyce Nicholson Eicken

Danville - Joyce Nicholson Eicken, age 93, passed away on April 3, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born as Joyce Ann Nicholson in Danville on October 24, 1932, she was the daughter of Ralph and Myrtle Nicholson. She was raised in Danville and graduated from Danville High School in 1950.

On August 24, 1958, Joyce married Charles Eicken. Together, they built a life and raised three children: Dr. Elizabeth Kuntz, Lynn Mervis, and John Eicken.

Joyce was a skilled seamstress with a particular passion for creating costumes for her grandchildren. She dedicated her time to her family and community by volunteering as a Brownie Scout helper for her daughters. She had a long career at Illinois Bell Telephone, working there for over 18 years, and later was employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital.

She was a longstanding member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Eicken; her children, Dr. Elizabeth Kuntz (Dr. Martin Kuntz), Lynn Mervis (Joshua Mervis), and John Eicken (Barbara Eicken); and her loving grandchildren, Evan Kuntz, Zoe Mervis, Gideon Mervis, Solomon Mervis, Meira Mervis, and Camille Mervis. She is also survived by Barbara’s children, Allen and Samantha.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Myrtle Nicholson, sister, Marilyn Jean Nicholson, and her brother, Jack Nicholson.

May her memory serve as a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A service to celebrate the life of Joyce Eicken will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834, with visitation being held from 2-4 PM prior to the service on Sunday, also at Sunset. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. Joyce will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville at 9 AM on Monday, April 13. Memorials in Joyce’s name may be made to CRIS Healthy Aging at https://agestrong.org/donate-now/, or the National Audubon Society at https://act.audubon.org.

Please join Joyce’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.