MADISON - Joyce Marie Espelien, age 100, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Oak Park Place. She was a loving mother who loved serving others.

Joyce was born on July 24, 1925, in Mount Horeb, the daughter of Fred and Ella (Richmueller) Heuser. She married Emrick Espelien on August 22, 1948, and they celebrated 73 years together. Joyce retired from the State of Wisconsin Employee Trust Funds in 1987, after working for 25 years.

After retiring, Joyce and Emrick became snowbirds and traveled to Florida for 21 winters to escape the Wisconsin winters. They both loved to travel and took the opportunity to do so. They also went camping and flying with their family.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Debra (David) Crooker; grandchildren, Melissa Katherine and William David (Rachel); great-grandchildren, Cora and Leo Crooker and Adalynn Crooker; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emrick; parents; son, James Steven Espelien; infant brother, Henry Heuser; sisters, Arlene (Alfred) Owens, Janice (Julius) Geier and Esther (Jim) Hayes; brothers, Donald (Gloria) Heuser, Frederick (Ludell) Heuser and Wilfred (Sally) Heuser.

A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Burial will take place at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK following the luncheon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A luncheon will be served at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, following the service.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Joyce M. Espelien

July 24, 1925 - May 12, 2026

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