Joycelynn Wehe Onken, 82, entered into eternal life on June 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Joycelynn was born October 31,1943 in Yorktown, TX to the late Henry and Leona Metting Wehe. Joycelynn married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Lawrence Onken, on November 6, 1964, in Yorktown. She graduated from Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos with a degree in education, and taught home economics classes in Victoria for several years. The couple raised 2 children, Keith and Laura, and lived in Victoria for all their married years.
Joycelynn will be remembered for her kindness, her serving heart, her amazing hugs and her delicious cooking. Joycelynn was a Christ follower and a member of People of Hope Church. She volunteered faithfully at the clothing closet for VCAM (Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry) and also participated in many ALS Stroll, Roll n Run fundraisers. She also served as past president and fundraiser organizer for the local chapter of March of Dimes. Joycelynn (or “Nana” to her grandkids and “Aunt JoJo” to her many nieces and nephews) loved to build puzzles, garden, sew and cook. She was so gifted at creating and maintaining friendships and relationships with others. She and Lawrence loved to travel together. They visited all 50 states, and many destinations all over the world. Above all, Joycelynn was so devoted to her family, and fulfilled her calling of being a wife, mom and Nana with all her heart and strength. Her greatest passion was spending time with and supporting her family and spoiling them as much as she could.
Joycelynn is survived by her husband of 61 years, Lawrence Onken; daughter, Laura Chesak and husband, Brad of Victoria; son, Keith Onken of Victoria; sisters, Kathrine Boldt of Yorktown, Marian Hoefling and husband, Roy of Cuero; grandchildren, Josh Chesak, Abby Chesak, Elizabeth Chesak and Morgan Chesak.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Nellene Dlugosch and brother, Nathan Wehe.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 10-11 am at Rosewood Funeral Chapel with a funeral to follow at 11 am.
A reception and fellowship will immediately follow at Son Valley Ranch.
Pallbearers are Wes Boldt, Jason Dlugosch, Bryan Hoefling, Jarred Karnei, Wade Norman, and Wally Summers.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Hospice of South Texas and Caring Senior Services for their compassionate care during Joycelynn’s final days.
Memorial donations may be made to Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry (VCAM) in Joycelynn’s honor, or to the donor’s choice.
