Joyce Wessley

Biography

Joyce Esther Swoboda was born in Blue Grass, North Dakota on a cold wintery January day in 1938. Joyce lost her 5 year battle with ovarian cancer on Friday, June 18, 2010. She was the daughter of Adolph and Madge (Schwab) Swoboda. She moved to Wisconsin with her family in June 1955, where she graduated from Suring High School in May 1956. She married Daniel Francis Wessley in June 1958 and they made their home in Madison, WI. After Dan completed his graduate studies they moved to Elkhart, Indiana, where they lived for 6 years before returning to Madison in 1968. Upon their return to Wisconsin, they made their home in Monona for 20 years. Joyce raised four children and worked part-time at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church as the rectory secretary. She enjoyed her time in Monona raising her children, perfecting her seamstress skills, and forming many friendships that were very important to her throughout her life. Some of her fondest memories with family and friends were spent at their cottage on Lake Irogami in Wautoma, WI. Joyce worked as a Meeting Planner and Events Coordinator for several national associations in Madison. She worked for CUNA Mutual, ASTD, but her last position before retiring was with the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Where she worked alongside Donna Shalala on various fund raising events. Upon retirement in 1994, Joyce and Dan made their home on Lake Irogami. It was at this time, Joyce became a realtor and worked for the Eagan Agency for 12 years. In addition to her work, she spent many rewarding hours volunteering for Meals on Wheels, transporting newborn infants to foster homes, teaching religious education, and organizing charitable events. Joyce loved being a Mom, but her role as a Grandma was her greatest delight. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, especially those times spent together at their home on Lake Irogami. The tradition of celebrating Christmas in Wisconsin Dells has become a cherished family ritual. In 2003, Joyce and Dan purchased a home in The Villages, Florida. A place that Joyce truly enjoyed, especially when her family came to visit. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess, entertaining many family and friends at their home on Lake Irogami and The Villages. Joyce is survived by her husband, Dan, and her children, Mary Terri (Dan) Hyland, D. Joseph (Katrina) Wessley, Ann Frances (Marty) Roeske, Liz Marie(Paul) Lund, and 9 grandchildren, Leeann & Kyle Hyland, Eric & Lucas Roeske, Blake, Bennett & Katy Jo Wessley, Sam & Lauren Lund; two sisters, Justine Wilson and Joann Nestrud, her brothers, Gus (Penny) Swoboda, Jeffrey Swoboda; sister-in-law, Luella Swoboda. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, five aunts, two uncles and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jerome Swoboda. Joyce's family would like to thank Dr. David Kushner and the Oncology Team at the UW- Hospitals, St. Agnes Hospice/Hope of Fond du Lac and Sister Mary Ellen, Deacon Luke & Father Bob at St. Joe's in Wautoma. A special thank-you from the family to Aunt Dusty. Wife, Mom, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend....we love you and will miss you! A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 12 Noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma with Monsignor Mark Schommer and Deacon Luke Ferris co-officiating. Visitation will be held at the Church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Entombment services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona, WI. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to extend an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Joyce E. Wessley Memorial Scholarship, c/o Hometown Bank, 106 Plaza Rd. Wautoma, WI 54982.

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