Remembering Joyce
Joyce Zimmermann
December 30, 1926- January 18, 2024
Service
Private service will be held.
Obituary
Joyce Marie Zimmermann, 97, was born to eternal life on January 18, 2024. She was the beloved wife and dancing partner of Bill (deceased) for 63 years; loving mother of Karen (Neil) Borgman, Diane (Bill, deceased) Williams, and Gail (Craig) Paprocki.
Joyce was also the proud grandmother of Stacy (Rick) Rogowski, Theron (Lisa) Borgman, Jessica (Todd) Kocon, Peter (Stephanie) Cavagnetto, Ashley Kasprzak, and Addam (Jenny) Paprocki.
She loved being called “Great-Grandma GG” by Colton and Camryn Rogowski; Niyah and Chase Borgman; Paige and Adrienne Kasprzak; Jovi, Everly and Karys Kocon; Brenna, Cora and Isla Paprocki; Jace and Ava Cavagnetto.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Wanda Gottschalk and sisters Janet Brabham and Joan (Cliff, deceased) McGinnis; she is survived by two sisters, Jeanne (Inars) Gruntals and Judy (John, deceased) Yaeger and brother-in-law Bob Brabham.
Joyce grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from West Division High School in 1945. She started working at Weyenberg Shoe Manufacturing Company and became best friends with Audrey Zimmermann who worked there. Audrey set up a date between her older brother Bill and Joyce – and the rest is history.
Bill proposed to Joyce down at the lakefront on Christmas Eve 1948. After she said “yes” they left the lakefront to attend midnight services at Ascension Lutheran Church. Bill sang in the choir while Joyce sat next to his mother admiring the sparkling new ring on her finger. Bill and Joyce married in September, 1949, built a home in Muskego and raised their three daughters there.
Joyce and Bill enjoyed taking ballroom dance lessons for over 25 years. Attending Saturday evening dances was a must and the New Year was always welcomed in by celebrating and dancing with wonderful friends.
Joyce was a good bowler on a woman’s league in Hales Corners for many years. She had a lot of fun with the ladies there, continuing friendships beyond the bowling. She also loved being the neighborhood Avon lady for over 30 years and often received the yearly President’s Club Award due to her ever increasing customers and sales.
Bill and Joyce joined Atonement Lutheran Church in the early 60’s and up until her death, enjoyed four generations of their family attending there. Joyce was a Sunday School teacher and a summer Bible School teacher for many years, along with being a member of the Ruth Circle, a woman’s group. As an active circle member she participated in many activities including Mother-Daughter banquets, plays and musical productions.
Joyce loved her family and was blessed with six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, many of whom lived nearby. She had fun going to a lot of their school sporting events, musical concerts, dance recitals, plays and gymnastics events.
Our family is grateful that Joyce received such wonderful care at the Tudor Oaks complex in Muskego. Mom enjoyed living there and was a happy, content resident. Because of her good nature and smiles many staff including aides, nurses, activity coordinators and even cleaning staff established personal, loving relationships with her. Our thanks also to Brighton Hospice staff. Although their service was needed for only a short time, they provided our family and Mom with the most wonderful care and compassion.
She will be dearly missed but we are happy knowing she is in heaven dancing with Dad.