JOYCE WETZEL

Joyce May Wetzel, 88, Neillsville, passed away peacefully Sept. 15, 2026, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield following her two-year battle with a kidney disease. 

Joyce was born  Dec. 6, 1937, in Loyal, WI, to Oscar and Gladys Neeb. She graduated from Loyal High School. On Sept. 26, 1959, Joyce was married to Walter Wetzel in Neillsville. They farmed in the township of Pine Valley where they raised their four children. She also worked at Nelson Filter and Figi’s. Joyce’s cherished job, however, was being a Grandma to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren while also being a bonus Grandma to many others. 

Joyce loved to cook and was one of the best cooks around. Her biggest joy was having her family around the table every Sunday. Joyce also loved baking. She made everyone feel special by baking their favorite treats for birthdays, holidays, and relation get-togethers. Her baked goods will be remembered by many and surely missed by all. 

Joyce is survived by her four children: Bob (Caroline), Jim, Ken (Debbie), and Lynn (Jamie) all of Neillsville. Her eight grandchildren: Brad (Laura) of Livingston, WI; Chris of Oshkosh; Jammie (Kyle) of Madison: Alyssa of Appleton; Matt (Jodi) of Oklahoma City, OK; and Ashley (Adam), Alex, and Mikey all of Neillsville; 23 great- grandchildren; one brother, Neil Neeb of Rice, MN; a sister-in-law Karen (Kenny) Mohr and brother-in-law Raymond (Sharon) Wetzel of Neillsville; and many nieces, nephews and close family friends. 

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Walter of 62 years; her parents, Oscar and Gladys; her in-laws, Emil and Meta Wetzel; infant daughter Betty Jean; infant grandson Jacob; a sister and her husband, LaVonne and Jack Hiekkinen; sister and brother-in-laws Hazel (Cliff) Roehl, Florence (Leo) Wiesner, Gloria Neeb; and a niece Rhonda Lafferty. 

A private family graveside service will be held at the North Pine Valley cemetery where Joyce and Walter will be put to rest together. A celebration of life for Joyce will be held at 1 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Apple Valley in Neillsville for all family and friends. 

Joyce’s love, kindness, and memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.  

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Joyce’s family with funeral arrangements.