Joyce A. Wuensch

Joyce A. Wuensch, 89, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014, at the Hillview Health Care Center.

She was born in La Crosse on April 25, 1925, to Phillip and Amelia (Payne) Langdon. She married Harold W. “Hal” Wuensch on October 18, 1945 in La Crosse. Hal preceded her in death on February 11, 2000.

Joyce attended La Crosse schools and was a graduate of Logan High School. She worked for many years as a cashier at Super Value in Jackson Plaza in La Crosse. After retiring, she and Hal began volunteering at Hillview Nursing Home, serving coffee and snacks during the morning coffee group activity. They made many long-time friends during their 16 years there, with both the other volunteers in the coffee group and with many of the employees who continue to work at Hillview today.

She was a huge Brewer fan and loved watching them on TV or listening on the radio. Her close neighbor and relatives would often call and discuss, “the big plays”, of the game. Her grandsons loved sharing the excitement with her. Feeding the small birds was also a favorite pastime for her. She would throw bread crumbs outside the back door and whistle for the birds to gather around.

Her family was always the most important part of her life. She loved being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They always made her eyes light up and put a smile on her face whenever she saw them. Her house was a convenient stop for her grandchildren on the way to Holy Trinity School or on the way home in the afternoon when she would often care for them until their parents were done working. She made every family gathering a special one. She was the best mom a family could ever be blessed with.

Joyce is survived by two daughters, Carole (Charles) Weibel and Patricia Jirsa (fiancé, Dave Johnson); four grandchildren, David Weibel, Joseph (Wendy) Jirsa, Steven Jirsa, and Jami Jirsa (Sister Ancilla Jirsa); and three great grandchildren, Allison, Haley and Brandon Jirsa. She is also survived by two sisters, Gloria Borgedahl and Lois Bakalars; one brother, Robert (Mary) Severson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Viola Miller; and three brothers, Donald Langdon, Harry Langdon, and Richard Severson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 13th, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Rev. Rick Roberts and Rev. Lawrence Berger will officiate. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who worked on the 100 Hall at Hillview during Joyce’s 2-year stay there. Their kindness, understanding and compassion will always be remembered by her family. Some of them went above and beyond just caregiving; they became special friends.