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Joyce H. Mortensen, age 83, of Lake Mills (Reedsburg), WI, passed away on Monday, March, 28, 2022. She was born on Nov. 20, 1938, in Hillpoint, Wis., the daughter of Chancey and Louise (Friede) Mylrea. Joyce graduated from Reedsburg High School with the class of 1956. She lived in Reedsburg for over 50 years working at Hankscraft Corp for the most of her career, retiring in 2001. Joyce was united in marriage to Harry Mortensen on Feb. 16, 1957, in Reedsburg. They were blessed with four children, Dan, Marv, Gary and Ron. Joyce was a devoted wife and mother, talking fondly of her grand-kids and great grand-kids. She enjoyed cooking, cards, family, friends, and food.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Harry Mortensen and Duane Grams, brothers Walter Mylrea, Richard Mylrea sister Lois Ruetten; and brothers-in-law Bill Ruetten and Duane Seamon.
Joyce is survived, by her children, Dan (Cathy) Mortensen of Rothschild, WI, Marv (Vicki) Mortensen of Fond du Lac WI, Gary (Cheryl) Mortensen of Lake Mills WI, and Ron (Jerri) Mortensen of Lodi WI; grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin (Grace), Jordan (Michelle) Marcus, Matthew, Mason, Malachi, Mariah, Amanda (Andrew) Gallo, Hayley, Samantha, Katelyn, Mitchell, great-grandchildren Carter, and Lowen; brothers, Earl (Marian) Mylrea and Wayne (Sharon) Mylrea; sisters-in-law, Anne Mylrea, Joyce Mylrea, Elaine (Robert) Yngsdal, and Darlene Seamon, and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Joyce will be conducted at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Burial will be made in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials of remembrance may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, or the Reedsburg VFW Post 1916
The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.
A Tribute to Joyce Mortensen
Joyce had a larger than life personality that we were so privileged to be a part of. Her smile always lit up the room and her laugh was contagious. Already engaged to be married before she graduated from high school she became an adult at an earlier age than she would have preferred. As the mother to four young boisterous boys, her siblings used to comment that either two were fighting or two were thinking about it. Her kind and nurturing nature was a magnet in our neighborhood. Our home became a safe space, with dozens of kids wearing a dirt path around the house and Mom making sure that everyone had plenty of treats and Kool Aid. Our home was modest and cozy which just meant that we were humble and closer as a family.
Our parents sacrificed so much to make sure that we had a better life. When we got older Mom reluctantly went back to work to make sure that we had what we needed. Somehow she still managed to always be there to comfort us after a scraped knee or to counsel us on how to behave properly. Even then we knew that we were part of a very special family with an abundance of love and caring. As we got older, her patience was tested more than a few times as we managed to find plenty of exciting adventures and some trouble that came with them. She had an amazing ability to make us all feel that we were the most important person in her life and be our biggest advocate. She made everyone she met feel included and special.
Keeping enough food on the table was a daunting task but she was always up for the challenge. A garden our Dad tended, included a variety of vegetables and plenty of potatoes. Family gatherings were a tradition she embraced with plenty of food and friendship. When it was time to eat she would proclaim “grab a plate and go around” which we will dearly miss. She was a beloved Grandmother to all of the grandchildren. Spending time at Grandma’s house was a special event with lots of personal attention and plenty of treats. She treasured the relationship that she had with all of them.
Joyce was a natural born caretaker and always went out of her way to help others. She lost her true soul mate much too early and struggled to adjust on her own. The lord found her a new companion and dancing partner in Dalton, WI where she started a new chapter in her life on the farm in Amish country. With the passing of her second husband she moved to a senior apartment in Lake Mills where she was just starting to settle in before God called her home.
Time may have taken a toll on her physically but she never lost her youthful enthusiasm. She loved travel, the outdoors and family games including euchre and sheepshead. She had a childlike faith in the Lord and was an eternal optimist. She had a great sense of humor but a lousy sense of direction yet she always seemed to be in the right place. All those lucky souls who came to know her are better people for the experience. She will be truly missed.
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