JOYCE DRACE

JOYCE DRACE

March 20, 1936 - May 07, 2023

Obituary

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Joyce Drace passed away at the age of 87. She was at peace in her final hours, surrounded by her family. She was born to the late John and Beatrice Heier in Oconto and married Kenneth Drace on March 17, 1956.

 

Ken maintains that he fell in love with Joyce when he saw her across the bar; they married just four months later and remained deeply in love and devoted to one another for 67 wonderful years. They started a family two years after they were married and watched it grow over the next 65 years with the addition of spouses and grandchildren. The greatest legacy Joyce would leave behind is a family that will be forever bound by their love and friendship.

 

Joyce will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring person who was filled with joy and happiness. She was baptized on April Fool's Day, which seems quite fitting because she was someone who absolutely loved to laugh, and she imbued a sense of fun and playfulness that was infectious. Joyce was always concerned with the well-being of others and quickly offered her assistance whenever she thought she could be of help. She made a point of staying connected with her siblings, and she had a wide circle of friends with an enviable social calendar that was always full, whether it was women's golf leagues, Bridge groups, or casual social gatherings.

 

Joyce is already deeply missed by her husband Ken and their four children: Debi (Phil) Franz, Peggy (Scott) Nabbefeldt, Lisa (Richard) Hintz, and Paul (RaeGail) Drace; her six grandchildren: Joshua (Sean) Franz, Daniel Franz, Nicholas (Emily) Hintz, Sam Hintz, Claudia Drace, and Logan Drace. She is further survived by her brothers: Julian Heier and Lloyd (Pat) Heier; her sister, Shirley (Dan) Belongia; and by her sister-in-law, Marie Heier; as well as by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Drace; and by her siblings: Clarice, Elsie, Avis, John, and Harold.

 

A memorial service for Joyce will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 200 N. Commercial St., Neenah with Rev. Amy Engebose officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the American Red Cross.

 

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JOYCE
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Suzanne (Heier/Belongia) Luna
Other •
In Loving Memory of JOYCE DRACE, Celebrating a woman whose laugh was contagious and whose hugs could squeeze a toot out of a little girl. She will always have a special place in my heart. Love 2 U!<br><br>A Sympathy Gift of Single Tree has been Planted In Loving Memory of JOYCE DRACE courtesy of Suzanne (Heier/Belongia) Luna.
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Polly Ebben
Other •
Dear Lisa, Dick and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother&#39;s passing. May God be with you during this very difficult time. She sounded like a wonderful mom and lady. May your memories carry you through. Praying for your whole family.
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Clare Cammack
Other •
Ken and family, I was deeply saddened hearing of Joyce’s passing. I met Joyce playing bridge, and always looked forward to seeing her at the table. Joyce’s funny stories, and sunny disposition will be remembered always.  I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Clare Cammack
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The Ronnows
Other •
In Loving Memory of JOYCE DRACE,<br><br>A Sympathy Gift of Single Tree has been Planted In Loving Memory of JOYCE DRACE courtesy of The Ronnows.
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Eric, Shelley and Megan Sweet
Other •
In honor of JOYCE DRACE, 1 memorial trees will be planted. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.<br><br>A Sympathy Gift of Single Tree has been Planted In Loving Memory of JOYCE DRACE courtesy of Eric, Shelley and Megan Sweet.

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