Joyce G. Munnik, 83, passed away early Thursday morning, March 12, 2015 at Waterford East in Plymouth where she had been residing. Born July 8, 1931 in Sheboygan, Joyce was a daughter of John and Mary Van de Wege Dirkse. She attended Sheboygan area schools and graduated from Central High School in 1949. On August 25, 1949, she was united in marriage to Myron J. Brown, Jr. at the Little Brown Church in Dubuque, IA. They were married for 34 years before Myron preceded her in death on March 31, 1984. She then married Edward B. Munnik on October 14, 1989. He preceded her in death on October 26, 1999. Joyce worked in various office positions in the Sheboygan area for many years. In her later years, she worked as a caregiver for the elderly which was her passion. She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church. She enjoyed ceramics and getting together with family and friends. Her greatest joy was helping other people, freely giving of herself and her time out of love for others. She is survived by her children, Mark (Cynthia) Brown, Oostburg, and Linda (Leonard Johnson) Kath, Sheboygan; her daughter-in-law, Alice Brown, Sheboygan; grandchildren; Matthew Brown, James (Christine) Brown, Audra (Andy) Kundinger, Joseph Brown, Josh Utech, Ian Utech, Genieve (Anthony) Mervyn and Krystal Kath; great grandchildren, Emily and Ellie Brown, Hunter and Madalynn Mervyn and Harper Kundinger; her sister, Sarah (Stanley) DeBlaey, Cedar Grove; her sister-in-law, Cory Dirkse, MI; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is further survived by her special friend Merritt Roelse, Sheboygan. Besides her parents and her husbands, Myron and Edward, she was preceded in death by her son, Myron "Jay" Brown III; her grandson, Jacob Brown; her granddaughter, Stacey Brown; and her brothers and sister, Jacob Dirkse, Delia "Nuk" (Peter) DenBoer, John (Elaine) Dirkse. Funeral services for Joyce will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Evangelical Free Church, 1710 N 15th Street. The Rev. Gary Hylander will officiate. Family and friends are welcome at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. A memorial fund has been established in her name. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Waterford East and nurses and staff of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Joyce's arrangements.
