Joyce L. Fraase

Joyce and her twin sister, Judith, were born on July 9, 1941 to William J. and Gladys M. (Hill) Conboy. Fond memories of their childhood included if one of them was crying, then both would be crying, staying with Grandpa Pop over the summer and getting penny candy, riding a horse to school, and one of their first jobs working overnight.

After high school, she met Lloyd H. Fraase at a gathering of mutual friends, and they later married on May 19, 1963 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farmingdale, IL. Lloyd was her center during their 62 years of marriage.

Her faith in God was strong and steadfast. She set an example of living a good life through an empathetic heart and giving of herself. Joyce never faltered in caring for others when needed. She was good at deflecting her wants and needs and did not want anyone to fuss over her.

Joyce had the uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her genuine warmth came out in her smile and the way she listened to everyone. She relished having family around her whether it was a big holiday gathering, going out for tacos and margaritas, or an impromptu visit. Whatever the occasion, her home carried the scent of baking – from homemade rolls to mud cake, cookies and pies with the secret ingredient for flaky crust.

Her culinary skills led to running a restaurant at the Clayville Historic Site with her friend, Ruth, for several years. Her work experience expanded to administrative support at the U.S. Census Bureau and Safe Food Handlers before retiring, after which she continued managing the office for the family business, Fraase Excavating, Inc.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Ann Merkell, twin sister, Judith L. Conboy, and a brother William Theodore Conboy.

Despite her strong constitution, Joyce quietly passed away at home on July 21, 2025 from complications following a stroke.

Joyce will be truly missed by her husband, Lloyd, son John (Karen) Fraase, daughter Ann Marie (George) Rembert, son Todd (Jennifer) Fraase, son Michael (Brigette) Fraase and sister Sharon K. Conboy.

She will forever be Grandma Joyce to Adam (significant other Katie) Rembert, Renna (Trevor) Savage, Madison (Albert) Muick, Christian (Madison) Rembert, Sawyer Fraase, Alexis Contreras (step), Dakota Fraase and Adrianna Contreras (step).

Her great grandchildren are a joy and an inspiration: Marlie, Sophia, Nora, Daxton, Amelia, Louis, Vivian, William and Vincent.

She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Joyce’s unquestionable devotion to family is evidenced by all of the notes, drawings, pictures and cards around her home office. She appreciated her family despite their quips. She worried about them, encouraged them, protected them, forgave them and always loved them. “I’ve had a good life” was only half the story. We were blessed because she led a good life.

In her remembrance, be thoughtful, cherish those close to you, appreciate what you have, and take time to enjoy the small things.

The family will host an informal visitation on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bisch Funeral Home, 2931 S Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711. Cremation rites will be accorded, and private interment will be at a later date.