Joyce B Francis

Joyce was born July 17, 1922 in a bedroom with a window open to the apple orchard outside. She was born in her parents farm home near Caldwell, Wisconsin, and was given the name Ramona Joyce Boelter, but went by the name Joyce. She was the youngest of four; her sister Muriel and her brothers Laurel and Raymond were much older. Joyce loved the farm, and had a favorite horse she enjoyed riding. She learned to love the land and streams, trees and birds and animals. She loved the church and took leadership in it, already in high school. Joyce was elected Prom Queen at her Junior Prom, and was salutatorian of her Mukwonago high school graduation class. She was active and took leadership in 4-H. At 17 years of age, she was voted the healthiest girl in the state by Wisconsin’s 4-H organization.

A turning point came with the arrival of her church’s new pastor, John Francis, a junior at nearby Carroll College. He recognized her leadership skills, her good looks, her intelligence, her laughter. After a church event he asked if he could drive her home. She said yes. Three years later they were married. And moved 200 miles north to Peshtigo, WI - quite a hike for her, then also a young mother.

Though Joyce hoped for a girl in each pregnancy, she found herself happy with three sons: Paul, Don, and John. As Johnnie was away a lot, Joyce was the primary parent raising and orchestrating their activities. She was a great gardener and cook, often featuring desserts. Her raised donuts, fudge, pies and birthday cakes became famous. Joyce created afghans and cross stitched many art designs now framed and hanging in homes throughout the family. She kept her gardens, her yard and herself wrinkle free and looking lovely. For five years the family included niece Donna whose parents had died. Joyce was important to Donna’s growth and personal development.

Joyce and Johnnie - Jo-Jo - operated a hamburger stand for 20 years at the Wisconsin State Fair. They took the family on many camping trips throughout the United States. When the boys got older, Jo-Jo took trips to over 15 countries, including Switzerland, British isles, Tanzania, India,, South Korea, and China. Her husband died of heart failure in 1986 while vacationing with Joyce and son Don in China.

Joyce found opportunities to serve outside the home. She enjoyed working as secretary for four teachers and as study hall superintendent in Oconomowoc. After her husband died, she worked 12 years as secretary in the United Methodist Church in Delavan. She gave reading assistance to 1st and 2nd graders. She was a Conference officer in the Women’s Society of Christian Service. Throughout her active life, she loved games. You wanted to be on her team because she was intent on winning. In all her involvements, she was appreciated for her attentive care and her energetic spirit. Many have commented on her love of play and her enthusiastic laughter.

Joyce loved God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, the church and its people. Worship and mission to the poor and disadvantaged were important to her. She prayed, read the Bible and other devotions every day. Her table was like a circular altar, covered with a cloth, decorated with colors that matched the day or season, often with a candle and/or small art piece. She gave thanks for the natural world and offered petitions for persons in need, and was always thankful for her health and her family.

Joyce Francis is survived by her sons Paul (Jean), Don (Jeong Rim) and John (Steve), and 25 grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be long remembered, and long treasured.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Delavan United Methodist Church from 11-12 with funeral service at noon. Private interment Wauwatosa Cemetery.