Joyce Ann Frey

Joyce was born and raised in Illinois and graduated from Thornridge High School in 1971. Shortly after graduation, while working at Dunkin’ Donuts, she met Dave and their love story began. They married when Joyce was just nineteen. Joyce’s mother even tried to bribe her not to marry Dave by offering to send her to art school—but their love was too strong to break, and that same strength carried throughout her life, all the way to her final breath.

After their children were born, Joyce and Dave relocated to Highland, IN, where they built a beautiful life together.

Joyce connected with many people throughout her career. She held several office support roles at companies including Walsh, United Rentals, AM Electric, and Refractory Service. During that time, she also made the decision to further her education, earning both her associate and bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Leadership and Safety from Purdue University in 2005 and 2009—an accomplishment she was deeply proud of and one she celebrated with her husband and children.

Joyce was known for her straightforward and honest outlook on life. She gave the kind of advice you could count on—always honest, always from the heart—and she was equally willing to listen, help, and talk things through. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, her home, and especially the life she shared with her true love, Dave.

Joyce and Dave celebrated 53 years of marriage this past May. They enjoyed traveling, hiking, and spending time with family. After their children were born, they affectionately referred to each other as “Mom” and “Dad,” a small tradition that spoke volumes about their bond and the family they built together.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Irvin Mniszewski; younger brother, Ken Mniszewski; and brother-in-law, Glenn Frey. She is survived by her husband, Dave Frey; her children, Jacob (Dedra) Frey, and Simon (Dayanna) Frey; her grandchildren, Chloe Frey, Aiden Frey, Avery Frey, Evelyn Frey, Atticus Frey, Amy Wirtz, Colin Houchin, and Addison Houchin; her great-grandchild, Oliver Wilson; brother, Mark (Beth) Miller; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rob and Denise Frey; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Joyce will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. A funeral service will be held on Monday August 31, 2026, at 11:00 am at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 140 West US Highway 30, Schererville, IN 46375. Burial to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and a luncheon afterward. Please join the family to celebrate her life and say goodbye.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Frey family.