Joyce Lavonne Papenfus

Joyce (Joy) LaVonne Papenfus, age 94, passed away at the Artisan Senior Living Center in Lake Geneva, WI, on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. Joy was born on December 31, 1923, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, to Edith and Irving Welkos. She grew up south of Elkhorn on a little farm with one older sibling, Val. Growing up Joy went to Jackson School, a small country school, just down the road. She loved all animals and was active in 4-H for many years. She attended Elkhorn High School where she played the flute in the band and went to UW-Stout for one semester. She met her husband, Willard A. Papenfus or Bill, at a barn dance. They married in January 7, 1944, took a honeymoon to Milwaukee, and lived at the farm where Bill was born. Eventually they had three daughters, Kathy, Janet and Diane. Joy was a beautician for almost 50 years owning her own shop called Joy's Golden Door. She loved singing, gardening, painting, creating crafts, traveling and playing cards. She was a 4-H photography leader for over twenty years. Joy was a lady who always looked at the positive side of life and found the best in others. Joy is survived by daughters Kathy Papenfus (Pete Paulson) of Elkhorn, WI, Janet (Stuart) Cline of Eau Claire, WI, and Diane (Roland) Schroeder of Elkhorn, WI; Grandchildren Esther (Matt) Daniels and Seth (Carrie) Schroeder; Great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Caleb Daniels and Adelaide Schroeder. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. Joy is preceded in death by her parents, sister Val Currell, and husband Willard (Bill) Papenfus. A visitation will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church (1101 Logan St, Lake Geneva) on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens in Lake Geneva, WI. Steinke-Lazarczyk Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lake Geneva, WI is proudly serving the family of Joyce Papenfus. Visitation Friday, August 31st, 2018 11:30am - 12:30pm, First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lake Geneva 1101 Logan Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Service Information Friday, August 31st, 2018 12:30pm, First Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lake Geneva 1101 Logan Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147