Joyce Ruth Sweetalla, 72, Waupaca, passed away September 11, 2014 at home with her faithful dogs at her side.
She was born September 26, 1941 in Merrill, the daughter of Elmer and Norma Yonke. She married Gerald “Tub” Sweetalla on May 2, 1964 in Waupaca. She devoted her life caring for him until his death in 2006. During her lifetime she helped care for countless nieces, nephews, family, and friends and the dogs she treated as her own children. She enjoyed gardening flowers and vegetables, working in the yard, and keeping her home beautiful by decorating for all the seasons and holidays. She enjoyed feeding and watching deer and turkeys, but did not appreciate the occasional bear. She enjoyed hosting deer camp for her extended family and watching as the new generation became hunters. Every holiday and everyone’s birthday needed to be celebrated. She was our rock and was always there with advice, encouragement, love, and most of all sharing Christ with all. Faith is how Joy lived her life and she lived it until the day her Father called her home.
Joyce is survived by a daughter, Dawn (special friend, Dennis) Nett of Waupaca; a sister, Marsha Lubeck of Vesper, and family and friends that will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tub; her brother, Herb Yonke; her parents, and her special niece, Brianna. Thank you Adam for being there for her whenever she needed a hand; Kathy, Dana, Pam and Tammy for everything you have done; the Felauer clan for your constant eye on Joy; and to the countless other people that have touched her life. Words can never express my gratitude.
A funeral service was held at Shepherd of The Lakes Church in Waupaca, WI on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with Mr. Ted Lees, officiating. Interment was in the Badger Cemetery, Township of Lanark, Portage County, WI. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI assisted the family with arrangements.