Joyce Geraldine Gloeckler

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude for a life well lived that we share the passing of Joyce Geraldine Gloeckler on July 30, 2026, at the age of 94.

If there was one thing Joyce wanted everyone to know, it was that she had lived a wonderful life. She never missed an opportunity to say how fortunate she had been. She found joy in life's simple pleasures—watching birds and wildlife from her sunroom, visiting with neighbors, and, on pleasant days, zipping around Portage in her flashy yellow PT Cruiser. Her greatest wish was to remain in the home she loved, and that wish was fulfilled. Joyce passed peacefully and independently in her own home.

Joyce was born on January 10, 1932, in Frederic, Wisconsin, to Clarence Emil and Hazel Gertrude Boetcher during the Great Depression. After living in several Wisconsin communities during her childhood, her family settled in Portage when she was twelve years old, where her parents purchased the Home Bakery, establishing the family in the community Joyce would always call home. She graduated from Portage High School in 1950.

In 1952, Joyce married fellow Portage resident Raymond "Tim" Gloeckler. Together they raised four children and built a home filled with creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. After settling in Middleton, Wisconsin, Joyce became a founding member of Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, helping preserve the wetlands she loved while inspiring her family to value conservation and the outdoors.

Growing up during the Great Depression shaped Joyce's lifelong resourcefulness. A gifted seamstress with an exceptional eye for design, she made much of her family's clothing and lovingly created all of the bridesmaids' dresses for her daughter Tricia's wedding.

In 1972, while raising her family, Joyce enrolled as a part-time student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She occasionally found herself attending classes alongside her daughter Terry, much to the amusement of classmates and professors alike. Her much younger classmates quickly came to admire her and affectionately nicknamed her "the parsimonious troglodyte" in recognition of her thrift, humor, and refreshingly down-to-earth spirit. Joyce earned her bachelor's degree in Fiber Arts in 1980.

In 1982, Joyce joined University Hospital in Madison as Art and Exhibits Coordinator, a position she held until her retirement in 1997. She was also an accomplished fiber artist whose beautiful handwoven works reflected her creativity, whimsy and craftsmanship.

In 2001, Joyce and Ray returned to Portage, a decision she never regretted. Old friendships were renewed, new ones were formed, and she once again became an active part of the city's welcoming arts community. Retirement never slowed her. Joyce remained deeply involved in the arts community, serving on the board of the Portage Center for the Arts. She especially loved their home and its sunroom, where she spent countless peaceful hours watching birds gather at the feeders and wildlife move through the Wisconsin River marsh across the street.

Joyce is survived by her children, Tim Gloeckler (Jodi Tomaselli), Terry Gloeckler (Bill Marlett), Tad Gloeckler (Gretchen Olson), and Tricia Ognar; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Braun de Torrez (Bryan Cotter), Emmett (fiancée Emma Anderson), Ike, and Oriana Ognar; and her great-granddaughter, Juniper Hazel Cotter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond "Tim" Gloeckler; her parents; her sister, Betsy Charteris; and her brother, Tom Boetcher.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Portage Police Department, especially Sergeant Mike Schutz, and Portage EMS for their compassionate response. They are especially grateful to Mike and JoAnne Flees for their weekly visits, friendship, and generous assistance around the home; to Dr. Susan Kreckman and Dr. Brenda Blohm for the exceptional care they provided; to the Team at Meals on Wheels and to the many neighbors on Riverview Court whose kindness and friendship created such a warm and caring community.

Joyce found beauty in everyday life—in the birds outside her sunroom, the friendships she nurtured, the art she created, the wetlands she helped preserve, and, above all, the family she loved. She embraced each day with gratitude, creativity, curiosity, humor, and kindness. She often said she had lived a wonderful life. Those who knew her know that she truly did.

A Memorial Liturgy for Joyce will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Portage Center for the Arts or Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.