Joyce A. Schwanke

Joyce A. Schwanke, a resident of Golden Living, died Monday morning, May 6, 2013 at the age of 83. She was born April 16, 1930 in Sheboygan, the daughter of Harvey A. and Erna (Mercier) Lienau. She attended Washington Grade School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1948. On May 6, 1950 Joyce and Theodore Schwanke were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on November 8, 1980. Joyce was employed at the Vollrath Company and the H.C. Prange Company. She also cared for many children in her home, all whom she treated as if they were her own. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A wonderful homemaker, she made great box brownies. Joyce is survived by two sons, Thomas (Barb) Schwanke, Karl (Chris) Schwanke; two daughters, Debbie (Jeff) Klosterman and Penny (Paul) Piekarski; seven grandchildren, Kyle Schwanke, Trevor (Amy) Schwanke, Timothy (Andrea) Schwanke, Trisha (Barry) Valleskey, Marci (Mark) Post, Nicholas (Katie) Piekarski, and Dylan Piekarski; seven great grandchildren, Brady and Maxwell Valleskey, Adisyn and Teagen Schwanke, Haley and Owen Post, and Alexia Schwanke; two brothers, Roger (Marlene) Lienau and Curtis (Sandra) Lienau. She is further survived by two aunts, Adeline (Herbert) Staplekamp and LaVerne Rewer. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 Wisconsin Ave., Sheboygan, WI 53081. Rev. Timothy J. Mech, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place in Lutheran Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 (TODAY) at Ballhorn Funeral Chapels from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established in her name. Her family would like to thank the staff at Golden Living and the doctors and nurses in the intensive care unit and fifth floor staff of St. Nicholas Hospital for their kind and loving care and compassion.