Joyce M. Venckunas

Joyce Marie Venckunas, age 90, of Hazelhurst and Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin peacefully passed away October 27, 2025.

Joyce was born May 7, 1935, to Elizabeth and Christian Joosten. She married Robert Venckunas on August 25, 1952 at Saint Phillips Catholic Church in Rudolph Wisconsin. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage and two daughters Paula and Donna. Joyce and Rhody farmed in Rudolph Wisconsin until Robert was called to serve in the Korean War on December 8, 1952. He was stationed in Eustis VA for training and served with the Transportation Corps in Thuley, Greenland. Joyce resided in Williamsburg, Virginia to be close during training and leave during that time. After the war, they continued farming in Rudolph, Wisconsin until they moved to Woodstock, Illinois. She first worked as a nurse’s aid and then at RC Allen. Joyce finished her working career at Woodstock Memorial Hospital as assistant director of environmental services where she ran a tight ship and worked alongside her crew. Following retirement, they moved to Hazelhurst, Wisconsin and wintered in Yuma, Arizona. Joyce enjoyed taking ceramics and cake decorating classes making many delectable cakes for family on holidays and birthdays. She loved traveling and camping with her family to national parks and fishing in Canada, where she could be packed up and ready to go in a moments notice. Her special joy came from feeding the deer and animals that visited her home in Hazelhurst, as well as being a gracious host to guests making them her special blueberry waffle breakfast.

Joyce is survived by her daughters Paula Vermett and Donna Sorensen, grandchildren Jon Camarena and Jeremia (Elle) Sorensen; great grandchildren Hannah, Nolen, Avianna, and Oliver; great - great grandchildren River and Jude, her sister Judy Lasley, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Rhody, parents Elizabeth and Christian Joosten, and brothers and sisters. Anita, Slyvester, Norman, Marian, Robert, Alma, Delma, James, and John.