Joyce Halbach

Joyce M. (Johnson) Halbach, age 86, passed away on December 24, 2023 peacefully surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 4, 1937, in Wausau, WI, the first child of the late William and Anna (Hunziker) Johnson. She attended grade school near Sherwood, WI in the old one-room schoolhouse known as Bryan School. She attended Kaukauna High School her first three years before her family moved to Appleton where she graduated from Appleton High School in 1955. On December 29, 1956 she married William (Bill) Halbach, and they lived in Menasha for 8 years before moving to St. John WI where they raised a family of eleven children.

Joyce was one of the original instructors of high school religious education program at St. John the Baptist Parish in St. John. She also helped to establish a Calumet County 4-H Club in St. John and served as the club’s first leader where she enjoyed working with local youth for many years. Joyce later worked for Calumet County in the Department of Health and Human Services. She was also a volunteer with the Calumet County Historical Society and was an avid genealogist.

Joyce is survived by her children and spouses: Peg (Frank) Schwalbach, Hilbert; Dan (Ann) Halbach, Madison; Elizabeth (Dave) Neuber, New London; Mary Halbach, Fremont; Ann (Russ) Meyers, Hilbert; Terry (Stephanie) Halbach, South Deerfield, MA; Clare (John Baum) Grignon, Appleton; Michele (Bruce Kreuzinger) Frane, Kaukauna; Cindy Halbach, New London, and Maureen (Brad) Loose, Kimberly; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is further survived by her brothers, sister, and in-laws: Bob Johnson, Appleton; Harriet (Glen) Ridnour, Mineral Point; Jim (Jean) Johnson, Menasha, Al (Marilyn) Halbach of Sheboygan, Rosemary Propson, Chilton, Mary Ann Olson, Hilbert, and Ray (Marilyn) Halbach, Sherwood. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews & dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her sons Paul and Gerald; her parents; her parents-in-law Raymond and Mary Halbach; and many other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. John on Friday, December 29, 2023 11:00 a.m. with Father Mike Betley officiating. Burial will be at the St. John Cemetery in St. John. Friends may call Thursday evening 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Pielhop Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion, and again at the church on Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. A parish prayer service will be held on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home by Diane Wickersheim.

The family extends special thanks to Renaissance, Cherry Meadows, and Theda Care Home & Hospice for their compassionate care of Mom.