LODI-Joyce Natalie Lange Unke, a devoted educator, community leader, and cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on November 23, 1936, in Bensenville, Illinois, to Roy and Rose Lange, Joyce lived a vibrant life defined by her love for music, education, dedication to family, and deep commitment to the community of Lodi, Wisconsin.

As a young girl, Joyce developed a lifelong love for nature, spending her days adventuring through the countryside and rivers alongside her outdoor-loving father and her beloved sister, Gloria. Her love for flowers & gardening evolved while helping her dad in his huge flower beds & gardens. Her early years were also shaped by her exceptional talents in vocal music and her active involvement in the Rainbow Girls & later years with the Eastern Star.

Joyce pursued her passions at North Central College, graduating with a dual degree in Music Education and Home Economics. It was during a fateful college visit to the Lodi countryside that Joyce’s life changed forever-she met Don Unke, the love of her life. The two were married, and in 1958, Joyce moved to the Unke family farm on the Arlington Prairie.

A fierce advocate for children, Joyce poured her heart into the public education system. She began her teaching career creating & instructing elementary music classes for the Lodi School District, later transitioning to teach high school Home Economics. Her dedication to students eventually led her to work for CESA-12, where she was the state regional director focusing on health education for Wisconsin public schools. Her passion for leadership extended to public service, where she was elected to both the Lodi City Council and the Lodi School Board, eventually serving with distinction as the School Board President.

In the late 1960s, Joyce and Don transitioned from the family farm to Harmony Grove, eventually settling in the City of Lodi to raise their four children: Barry, Brett, Kellie, and Kristina. Together, Joyce and Don became staples of the local business community, owning and operating several downtown fixtures, including The Downtown Café, Hardware Hank, Antiquity and later, Three Bats in the Belfry gift store.

Joyce’s faith and musical gifts found a home at the Lodi United Methodist Church, where she was a dedicated member of the church choir and served on numerous committees. She was a ferocious reader, a passionate collector of antiques, and an avid gardener. Visitors to her home were often treated to the sight of her beautiful flower beds & prized peonies, which she lovingly cultivated from her father’s original gardens. Above all, Joyce cherished the simple joy of spending time with her family, friends, and neighbors.

Joyce is reunited in rest with her beloved husband, Don. She is survived by her loving children Barry Unke, Brett Unke (Joyce), Kellie Unke (Mike Paulus), Kristina Lange & grandson Daunte Unke-McConley. Her sister Gloria Wrobel, sister-in-law JoAnn Anderson & many nieces & nephews. She also leaves behind her extended family, Jen, Jeremiah, Shannon, and Tenly Hellenbrand, along with a community that is profoundly better for her decades of service, music, and leadership.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers who loved and cared for Mom as if she were their own family. Stephanie Caves & BrightStar Care (Stephanie & Alyssa) & the Agrace Hospice staff - your compassion, kindness, and unwavering care meant more to our family than words can express. Your love for Mom allowed us to honor her greatest wish: to remain at home surrounded by the people and things she loved. You gave her comfort, dignity, and loving companionship during such a precious and difficult time.

A visitation & service will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Lodi United Methodist Church, 130 Locust St, Lodi. Visitation 11am - 1pm & service at 1pm with a light meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce's name to Reach Out Lodi or The Lodi Library.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Joyce N. Unke

November 23, 1936 - September 25, 2026

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