Joyce Wilcox

Late Tuesday, June 6, 2017, our beautiful Christian mother, Joyce Wilcox, age 87, looked into the loving eyes of our Savior, and left her earthy home for a joyous eternity in Heaven.  Her last day was just as she wanted it to be.  Family and friends filled the room, polka music filled the air, and peace filled her heart and soul.  It was an exceptional day for a truly remarkable woman.

Joyce was born in a quaint little house in Auroraville, Wisconsin on December 29, 1929.  She was the only child of Ed and Johanna Pick.  She lived her childhood years in Poy Sippi, Wisconsin until she met the love of her life, Gordon Wilcox.  They were married October 18, 1947. Their love and marriage was an inspiration to everyone who knew them.  They were truly a match made in heaven. Gordon preceded her in death on July 7, 2009.

Joyce earned her library certificate, and worked as a librarian for the Wautoma Public Library until 1977. She then began her tenure at the Wautoma High School Library. She retired from the Wautoma High School Library in 1992.  She loved books, reading, and the people she worked with during her career. She enjoyed her years of retirement traveling with her family, polka dancing with her best friend Lucille Clark, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mom’s greatest joy came from being with her loved ones.  She would light up when her family was around her.  There was never a more compassionate, beautiful, and loving soul than Joyce Wilcox.

She will be sadly missed, yet forever fondly remembered by her children Daniel (Beverly) Wilcox of Crystal Falls Michigan; Randy Wilcox of Wild Rose; and Dawn Wilcox-Johnson (Kurt Johnson) of Oshkosh.  She is further survived by her grandchildren, Dr. Cameron (Heather Addison) Wilcox; Matthew (Michelle) Wilcox; Adam (Melissa) Wilcox; and Jade Wilcox-Johnson; her great grandchildren Elise and Wyeth; Brynn and Bryce; and Brayden and Emma; sister-in-law Ruth Wilcox; best friend Lucille Clark.  In addition she is survived by many nieces and nephews and numerous dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and many loved ones during her 87 years.

We praise God that Mom had 86 healthy years.  She never took a pill until her cancer diagnosis on September 26, 2016.

Special thanks to Pastor Roger Riedel of Peace Lutheran Church of Wautoma for his uplifting messages and support.

The family would also like to thank the Marquardt Hospice team for their loving compassionate support throughout Mom’s illness.  A special thank you to Allison and Kim who became a part of our family during this very difficult time.

In addition the family would like to express our sincere gratitude to The Waterford of Oshkosh.  Thank you to the House Manager Lisa, Jennifer, Trey, Tanya, Sabrina, Terri, Diana, Nicole, Baylee, Susan, RN Lisa, and Chef Colt who prepared her BLT’s. Your kindness to our mother and family will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church, Wautoma. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Roger G. Riedel with burial to follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dakota Township, Waushara County. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, Wautoma or the Wautoma Public Library.