Joyce L. Gruenstern, 90, Clintonville (formerly of Marion) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 13, 2017 at Emerald Valley Assisted Living in Appleton.
The former Joyce LaVal Cronce was born to Louis & Gladys (Berzill) Cronce on March 10, 1927 in Bowler. She married Robert “Bob” Zillmer on May 21, 1947 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Dupont. They farmed together in Dupont for 21 years before moving to Marion. They enjoyed camping and traveling until Bob died on October 25, 1996 after 49 years of marriage. On October 4, 2003 Joyce married Cy Gruenstern. They lived in Marion until moving to Aster Assisted Living, Clintonville in 2016.
Joyce loved gardening and grew beautiful flowers. She kept her home and yard immaculate. She enjoyed decorating, going to rummage sales, and spending time with her family. She was a member of St John’s Lutheran Church, the Marion Area Historical Society, and a charter member of the Marion Lioness. She worked at various retail stores during her lifetime including 22 years at Marion Hardware and six years in marketing research in Appleton. After retiring she enjoyed visits with the Roundtable ladies at the Marion Cafe.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Cy; two daughters Darla (Larry) Dieck, Marion, and Dawn Marhefke, Neenah; three grandchildren Jennifer (Jill) Dieck, Trempealeau; Steve (Jessica) Marhefke, Neenah; and Angela (Scott) Shalkhauser, Kaukauna; and seven great-grandchildren Sam, Steve, & Kaylee Marhefke; Ethan & Nathan Shalkhauser; Jayla & Jaxon Dieck. Also survived by a brother Jack (Karen) Cronce, Redgranite, and sister-in -laws Helen Cronce, Fairbanks, AK, Delores (Russell) Miller, Hortonville, and Pat Zillmer, Marion.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, an infant granddaughter, an infant great- grandson, son-in-law Steve Marhefke, and her brother Donn Cronce.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 17th at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. Rev. Beth Macha will officiate and burial will follow at Roseland Cemetery, Town of Dupont. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church or the Marion Area Historical Society.