Nellie M. Joyce

PORTAGE  --  Nellie M. Joyce, age 80, of Portage, died at home on Thursday, May 15, 2014, surrounded by her loving family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Nellie was born on October 13, 1933 in Dexter, Iowa, the daughter of John and Laura Kalbach.  She was  married to Tom Joyce who preceded her in death on May 13, 1987.  Nellie had worked at the Friendly Tavern in Portage, Foxy’s in Briggsville, and the Blackhawk Motel in Wisconsin Dells.  Nellie was active in Relay for Life, and at the Riverwood Apartments.  She was a Packer, Brewer and Badger fan.    

She is survived by her children, Karla (Richard) Novander, of Florence, OR, Tom (Janice) Joyce, of Baraboo, Mark Joyce, of Portage, and Kim (Steve Drost) Joyce, of Portage; her son-in-law, Russell Evans, of Briggsville; her grandchildren, Thomas Vining, Stephanie Joyce, Justin (Trisha) Evans, Matt Evans, and John Heitke; her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Custer, Thalia Vining, Mike Bremer, and Jasper Evans, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends, including her traveling friend, Marlene.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tom, her daughter, Connie Evans, her siblings, Charles, Richard, Marilyn, Shirley, and Wilma.    

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Briggsville, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with a Scripture Service held at 3:45 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Strain, the hospice nurses, and all who cared for Nellie during her battle with cancer.