Joyce Ilene Morris

LA CRESCENT, MN Joyce Ilene (McLees) Morris, 80, of La Crescent, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2011. She was born November 17, 1931, in Twin Valley, MN, to Guy and Martha (Holtman) McLees. On June 16, 1951, she married Burton Morris in Stoddard and they were married 57 years.

After graduating from Central High School in 1949, Joyce worked for several area businesses, including State Bank of La Crosse and US Army Corp of Engineers. Her favorite job was that of domestic engineer, being a loving wife and mother. Spending time with her four grandchildren brought her particular joy. Her special talents included crocheting afghans, quilting & sewing, playing piano by ear, and baking. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing many games of euchre and pinochle, and traveling to casinos. She was honored to be Riverfest First Mate 1985.

Survivors include her three children, Scott (Sue) Morris of Whitehall, Julie (David) Bieneck of Colby, and Carolyn (Peter) Manz of Hatfield; four grandchildren, Trevor Yeske of Marshfield, Derek Morris and Brock Morris of Whitehall, and Amber Bieneck of Saint Louis Park; two sisters, Ethel (Tom) Frey of Eagan, and Donna (John) Shepherd of Genoa; one brother, Gary (Kathy) McLees of Cashton; four sisters-in-law, Irma McLees of La Crescent, Sharon McLees of Genoa, Judy McLees of West Salem, and Carol McLees of Viroqua; and many nephews, nieces, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; five brothers, Donald, Raymond, Kenneth, Robert, and Allan; two sisters in infancy, Mary and Jean; and one sister-in-law, Winifred (Morris) McLees.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, December 17th, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 401 Main St., La Crescent, with a lunch to follow. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Genoa. A visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 16th, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crescent. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joyces name are preferred.