Joyce Caroline Wiegel

FARMINGTON, Mich. - Joyce C. Weigel of Farmington, Mich., passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the age of 86.  She was born September 5, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wis. to Henry and Mabel Otto. She is survived by her husband, John; her daughter, Dawn (the late Kyle) Stiegert; her sons, David Weigel and Jonathan Weigel; and her grandchildren, Evan Stiegert and MicAh Stiegert.  Joyce is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joyce graduated from Custer High School in Milwaukee in 1956 and immediately worked for the telephone company utilizing her organizational and secretarial skills. She met her best friend and life partner, John Weigel, through their church, Bethel Tabernacle, in Milwaukee; they were married in 1959 and weathered life’s joys and sorrows together for 65 years.  Joyce was highly involved in Bethel singing in the choir, singing solos, playing the accordion, and working in the church office. The couple enjoyed traveling including two significant adventures: one to the Holy Land in Israel and the second a return to their homelands of Germany and Hungary.

In the mid-1990s Joyce battled and conquered breast cancer. As a result, she became a strong advocate supporting cancer patients. She organized and led sewing groups that created stuffed bears for Sojourn Bears, Inc. with the purpose of making “cancer more bearable.”  Joyce personally delivered and mailed countless bears to individuals and took many bears to local oncology centers.

Joyce touched many lives through her creative and giving nature.  She was the family historian continuously updating family trees. She remembered every family and friend’s birthday and anniversary sending emails and cards; she wrote poetry, delivered meals-on-wheels, loved to sing, cross-stitch, sew, cook and bake never hesitating to use her talents to bless others in need. Joyce started and ran her own secretarial business for quite a few years until retirement. She also enjoyed daily newspaper puzzles and texting with her niece, Nancy. Country music was her favorite musical genre, and she won many cash prizes calling her favorite radio station answering questions or being the right numbered caller! Joyce’s giving spirit and zest for life is already greatly missed.

The ashes of her beloved dog Schatzie-Pooh will rest with her in burial.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at THAYER-ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 33603 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI 48335.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan (former Detroit Teen Challenge), 17667 Pierson, Detroit, MI 48219.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive, Madison

(608) 221-5420