Joyce Pirkel

DANE-Joyce E. Pirkel, age 69, of Dane, passed away at the Baraboo Hospice House on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Joyce was born on July 22, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Albert and Elsie (Gronke) Pirkel. The family later moved to Sun Prairie, where Joyce spent the majority of her childhood. Joyce graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1958. She was then employed by Red Dot and later by Dane Manufacturing, where she worked for more than 20 years. Joyce enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was a tremendous animal lover. She took great pride in the animals that lived on her farm over the years, and most recently had three \"kitties\" that watched and protected her while at home. Joyce is survived by her nephews, Scott Pirkel of Madison and Bruce Pirkel of Appleton. She is also survived by her nieces, Cheryl (Pirkel) Reese of Lodi, Sue Pirkel of Blue Mounds, and Cynthia (Pirkel) Murphree of Sun Prairie. Joyce also has many loving great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond Pirkel, Hank (Doris) Pirkel and Bob (Jo) Pirkel; a nephew, Tim Pirkel; and a niece, Theresa (Pirkel) Rogers. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of services. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Home Health United Hospice; Diane Brunk; Marilyn Green; the HHUH nursing assistants; and the Baraboo Hospice House Staff for their ongoing love and care of Joyce. The family also wishes the thank Joyce\'s close friend, Jackie Karls, who made it possible for Joyce to stay at home the last few years of her life. Jackie\'s loving care and support gave Joyce the strength to "keep fighting." We truly appreciate you, Jackie! Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009.