MADISON - Joyce Severn Turner, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on December 28, 1931, in Madison, the daughter of Albert and Gladys (Reine) Haugen.

Joyce grew up in Stoughton and she along with her three sisters helped out in gladiolus fields and delivered them to area florists. She graduated from Stoughton High School. Joyce married James Turner in Madison on September 3, 1949. She worked as a librarian for Abundant Life Christian School for many years.

Joyce was an avid reader, and enjoyed knitting, cooking and flower gardening. She loved to chat with her kids on the phone. Later in life, she loved to watch the neighborhood kids come to her little free library in front of her home.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Jane Tharp and Julie (Chris) Klaeser; son, Jack (Beth) Turner; seven grandchildren, Christiaan (Paige) Turner, Cherith (Justin) Breckan, Tyson (Samantha) Tharp, Tiffany (Jason) Garmon, Turner (Chelsea) Cole, Calvin Klaeser and Penelope Klaeser; great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Luke, and Audrey Turner, Jaxon and Britta Breckan, Tyla, Tytus, Tyson and Talulah Tharp, Azalee, Adalyn, Magnolia and Mathis Garmon, and Mason Cole. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; parents, Albert and Gladys; sisters, Ann (Wesley) Hoel, Darlene (Andy) Lakotos and Martha Olson; daughter, Jill Cole; and son-in-law, Randall Tharp.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

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

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

Joyce Severn Turner

December 28, 1931 - July 30, 2025

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