Joyce B. Funk

Joyce Funk died on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Creamery Creek Assisted Living/Memory Care.  She was born on January 1, 1934, to John and Helen (Hagen) Zitzner.

Joyce grew up on the family farm near Fargo, Wisconsin where she learned the value of hard work and love of family.  She married Frederick Funk on June 2, 1956 and raised her family on that very same farm she grew up on.   She worked alongside her husband driving tractor, baling hay, working in the tobacco fields all while managing a house with 5 kids.

She graduated from Viroqua High School. She then completed the 2-year teaching program at Viroqua Normal School where she received her teaching certificate and taught school in a one-room schoolhouse.   She went on to achieve her bachelor’s and then master's degrees. She taught at Viroqua Public Schools and then at Cashton Public Schools from which she retired.  Many times she would run into her former students who would tell her that she had been their favorite teacher or how she had made a powerful impact on their lives.

She was active in the Liberty Pole United Methodist Church where she was organist for over 40 years.  She served on various committees, circles, and youth programs.  She was so proud of her little church.

She and Fred sold their farm and moved to Viroqua.   She continued to work through her volunteering at Vernon Memorial Hospital and the Bethel Butikk in Westby.  After Fred's death, she remained in her home until one afternoon she took a tour of a new assisted living facility being built on the other side of Viroqua.   She put a deposit on a room and told her children she was selling her house moving to Creamery Creek.  Her years there were filled with gardening, reading, calling out Bingo numbers, various activities, and playing a mean game of dominoes.

Joyce is survived by her children: Brian (Carole); Bryce (Alicia); Mareeta (Cliff Vieau); and Brad (Mary); 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  She is further survived by her sister Jeanne Nelson and brother John Zitzner (Carol). 

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband Fred; son Ben; and brother-in-law Chet Nelson.

Joyce's family would like to thank Creamery Creek Assisted Living/Memory Care, who went above and beyond with their care and support given to her and her family.  Their kindness will hold a special place in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Liberty Pole Methodist Church with a visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will take place in the Liberty Pole Cemetery.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

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