Joyce E. Kopitzke

Joyce E. Kopitzke, age 95 of Marion, passed away Friday morning, June 12, 2020 at Kindred Hearts Assisted Living in Clintonville.

Joyce was born near Marion on January 8, 1925 as the daughter of the late Leonard and Minnie (Pockat) Kopitzke. She graduated from Marion High School in 1943, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central State Teacher’s College in Stevens Point where she was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta Fraternity. From there, Joyce went on to earn a Master’s Degree of Arts from Northern Michigan Marquette University. Joyce’s life revolved around her faith and teaching young children. She was able to combine the two on many occasions as a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she taught VBS and was a member of the Ladies Aid for many years. She also helped fold the church bulletins each week along side of her sister Jean. Her teaching career started and ended with teaching 1st Grade. Joyce began her career in Escanaba, MI in 1947; a position she held for 7 years. She then became the 1st Grade teacher in St. Louis Park, MN where she helped shaped young minds for over 20 years. Joyce retired from teaching in 1986 and returned to the Marion area where she resided with her sister Jean. In her spare time she enjoyed reading a good book and playing cards; especially the games 500 & solitaire with her sister Jean. Joyce had a strong faith and is now back in the arms of her Lord along side of her sister and parents.  

Survivors include:

Her siblings: Gordon (Ruth) Kopitzke, Marion; and Dale (Sandra) Kopitzke, Santa Barbara, CA.

Nieces & Nephews: John (Rita) Kopitzke, Marion & Karen (John) Riemer, Marion.

Great-Nieces & Great-Nephews: Nikole Riemer, and her son Johnathan; Cody (Fiance Calissa Hawley) Riemer, and their son Camryn; Chelsea Riemer and her daughter Mayliana; Chris Kopitzke; Hunter (Betsy) Kopitzke and their daughter Aspyn; Gunner (Jessalyn) Kopitzke and their son Bryce; Summer Kopitzke; Gayle Kopitzke; & Sally (Chris) Kosciusko, and their sons Cole & Rolan.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Jean Kopitzke.

A private family memorial service followed by a public visitation for Joyce will be held on Thursday June 18, 2020 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Marion. Visitation open to the public will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:30pm until 6:30pm. Rev. Karen Riemer will officiate the service and inurnment will take place at the Greenleaf Cemetery in Marion at a later date. Joyce’s family was very appreciative of the wonderful care she received from the staff of ThedaCare at Home Hospice and Kindred Hearts. God bless all of you. www.eberhardtstevenson.com