Joyce LaRue Kakac was born on March 6th 1939 to Robert and Vendena (Erickson) Kakac, the third child of ten children. Growing up and helping on the family farm, she was interested in nature and animals of all kinds. After graduating from Central High School in Alexandria, Joyce went on to graduate from Alexandria Technical School and received her LPN license. Employment at Douglas County hospital started her lifelong career in nursing.