Joyce M. Wheeler

A time for family to receive friends will be at Hill Crest Memorial Park, in Haughton, Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 5-7 PM, with a rosary at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City, with Fr. Fidel Mondragon officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park, in Haughton.

Joyce Marie Loseman was born, June 18, 1934, in Hanover, KS, two hours after her twin sister JoAnn, to Erma S. and Joseph F. Loseman. She was one of five siblings (Bill, Huey, Erma, and JoAnn) and lived her early life in Hanover, KS and Walcott, WY.

After graduation from Brown Mackie College where she studied business while working as a nanny, Joyce worked as a draftsman making maps for Bell Telephone. It was in this position that Joyce met Charles Eugene “Gene” Wheeler in 1954, when Gene came to her door to dispute phone charges. Upon catching a glimpse of Joyce in shorts, he promptly resolved to marry the beautiful young lady, which he did, six months later on December 27, 1954.

Their life together would span nearly seventy years with Gene’s career in the Air Force taking them to Arkansas, Hawaii, Texas, and finally Louisiana. They welcomed five children; Jean (Ken), Michael (Bobbi), Elizabeth (Dr. Joe), Cindy (Dan), and Jennifer, then 14 grandchildren, Jeff (Teresa) Schneider, Jimmy Schneider, Michelle Schneider, Matt (Laura) Wheeler, Peyton (Joe) Hyde, Harris Williams, Abby (Rolando) Fabian, Justin Mount, Colton (Courtney) Mount, Nick (Angie) Thompson, Mike (Sarah) Thompson, Theresa (Mikey) McAnn, Wendy (Mike) Tiday, David (Heather) Adams, 28 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

Joyce joins in heaven her husband, Gene; daughter, Jennifer and brother, Bill Loseman.

Joyce was a passionate wife and warm hearted mother, who dedicated her life to creating a loving home for her husband and children. She was a homemaker, and was busy volunteering in her children’s schools, her church, and as a Cub Scout leader. She also served with an Air Force Family Services program connecting newcomers to the area with necessities, and would work for more than twenty years with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. Later, Joyce would welcome and delight in her grandchildren, reveling in their every accomplishment, and celebrating them with her broad beautiful smile. In later years, besotted by her many great and great great grandchildren, Joyce could almost always be found with the littlest one in her arms.

Humble and consistent service would also be the hallmark of Joyce’s retirement. She devoted herself fully to her country and community as a volunteer at local polling locations, and as Commissioner for the Shady Grove Community. She served as a Hospice Patient Care advocate, worked to provide free pharmacy access for retired servicemen, and gave the gift of her time to local food pantries. Leading by example, and giving sacrificially to bless her parish, Joyce served in the Altar Sodality at Christ the King Catholic Church, as a volunteer agent for St. Vincent DePaul, and a Lay Eucharistic Minister for many years. Joyce’s quiet works of mercy were an example to those who knew and loved her.

Honoring their grandmother by serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Schneider, Jimmy Schneider, Matt Wheeler, Harris Williams, Nick Thompson, Mike Thompson, David Adams.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to to the charity of your choice.