Joyce R. Koehler-Salmon passed away during the early hours of March 7, 2021, with her daughters by her side, Joyce accepted Jesus’ invitation to move to Heaven.
She was born on April 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Gerhard and Ella (Quinn) Johnson on the Johnson farm (in what is now the kitchen) in Scandinavia, WI, a home built by her grandfather.
Although she was an only child, Joyce was not lonesome. She loved her family, cousins, and many friends. Her first love was Orville Koehler of Weyauwega, WI. They married on June 28, 1947. They had five children. In 1957, they brought their family back to her childhood farm to pursue their dreams. Sadly, after 20 years of marriage, Orville went to Heaven at only forty years old. Joyce was suddenly a single Mom of four (their oldest child, Kandyce, died six years earlier).
In 1969, she married Kenneth Salmon of Mineral Point, WI, and she moved her family to his home. At this time, they each had four children, some grown and some still living at home. It was a full house. After Ken’s retirement, they spent many winters in McAllen, TX. Sadly, again, after twenty-five years of marriage, Joyce lost her second husband.
Joyce was a wonderful mother, always active in her children’s lives. She enjoyed every minute with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce managed their meat cutting business, plus the Koehler’s Town and Country Market, following Orville’s death. She was an artist. Her paintings, ceramics, woodcarvings and other crafts were beautifully done, many winning blue ribbons at the local fair. She bowled until eighty-five years old and danced often up to four times per week.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ella and L. Gerhard Johnson, her daughter, Kandyce K. Koehler, and her husbands, Orville A. Koehler and Kenneth S. Salmon.
Joyce is survived by her children Charles D. Koehler (Sue), Jill R. Loken (Jeff), Jeffrey L. Koehler (Peg), and Sheila M. Luck (Wayne), twelve grandchildren, twenty-one (and counting) great-grandchildren, and her special roommate, Knute the cat.
The Funeral Service will be held at Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Scandinavia at 3:30 PM on Saturday, March 13th, 2021, with Pastor David Eisele, officiating. Interment will be in the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery, Town Scandinavia, Waupaca Co., WI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 1:30 PM until the time of the service at the church. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. Due to Covid, masks and social distancing are appreciated.