Joyce Eleanor Wenner

Joyce Eleanor Wenner, 69 of Madison, WI and formerly from Mankato, MN died Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Ferguson Family Home in Madison, where she was receiving care for dementia.

Joyce was born February 15, 1947 in Mankato, MN to Edwin and Elizabeth (Brunner) Wenner. She graduated from Loyola High School and received a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Arkansas State University and also received a Master’s in Public Administration.

Joyce had a good life and lived life to the fullest. She always enjoyed a good laugh, was friendly and pleasant to be with, and was passionate about things she believed in- like strengthening families, developing peace within herself and extending that to the world, finding joy in others, in animals, in nature, and in the arts.

Joyce enjoyed whatever she was doing. She believed in the individual, and that her time, talents, and energy invested in herself and others in her community, or on global issues and Mother Nature, increased the greater good of the world.

She saw life as an adventure and believed the tough parts made her stronger and wiser and more appreciative of life itself.

Her love of nature and its beauty, of adventure through travel and of learning, enriched the vitality and tenderness of her art. Joyce treasured her many years of walking in, canoeing through, and watching Mother Nature. She also treasured the quiet of her cozy home spent with friends and family along with her cats, music, mediation and a cup of tea. Creating and maintaining her family history is a work in progress a gift and legacy to be handed on to coming generations.

Joyce was blessed throughout her life to share the comfort of experiencing life’s joys and sorrows in the company of loving family and friends.

We will miss seeing her in her flower garden, canoeing along the river, assisting with voter registration, or dancing to a good band. We will miss seeing her next painting, funny story, or picture from her latest adventure. An adventure could be a major trip, a walk in the woods, finding a member of her family through genealogy, or having children teach her a new game.

Joyce lives on in our hearts and in our smiles. Her love of laughter and kindness will be greatly missed by those who knew her. 

Survivors include her brother, Steve (Janet) Wenner of Rochester; brothers-in-law, Jack Arend and Joe Klaseus; nieces, Holly Klaseus, Heidi Klaseus, Amanda Byars, and Nicole (James) Craft; nephews, Tony Arend, Chris Arend, James Klaseus, and Nick Arend; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Emily Arend and Linda Klaseus.

Memorial service will be 3pm, Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Mankato Mortuary (1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001) with visitation one hour prior. Reverend Paul van de Crommert will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

Memorials are preferred to the Ronald McDonald House (850 Second St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 or online at https://www.rmhmn.org/donate/).