Joyce Elaine Klusmeier

Joyce E. Klusmeier, 96, of Sheboygan, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 3, 2021 at St. Nicholas Hospital.
Born June 5, 1924 in DeKalb, IL, Joyce was a daughter of the late Rex and Ione Metcalfe Kayes. She attended DeKalb area schools and graduated from DeKalb Friendship High School in 1942. In 1944, she married Ronald L. Taylor. He died unexpectedly in March of 1946. On May 17, 1947, she was united in marriage to Heinz Klusmeier at St. John Evangelical & Reformed Church, Sheboygan, WI. They were married for 53 years before Heinz preceded her in death on May 19, 2000.
Joyce was a secretary for Jefferson School for 20 years before her retirement in 1986. She was a member of St. John's UCC where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Couple's Club, the Mother's Club and the Women's Guild. She also belonged to the Sheboygan Yacht Club and the Sheboygan Elks Club. Throughout her lifetime, Joyce made many cherished and lifelong friendships. She traveled extensively by car, bus, train, plane, boat and cruise ship with family and friends, including an unforgettable adventure to Alaska in 1959. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by her children, Ronald (Christina) Klusmeier, Nanaimo, BC, Canada; Laurie (Tony) Bries, Baraboo, WI; her daughter in law, Ellen Klusmeier, Sheboygan, WI; eight grandchildren, Richard (Trisha) Bries, Andrea (Brian) Schroeder, Amy (Satya) Klusmeier, Adam (Katie) Klusmeier, Kari (Gary) Kirkland, Kori (Karen) Klusmeier, Marc (Tracy) Nelesen, Bob (Serita) Nelesen; sixteen great grandchildren, Levi, Mariah, Gabe, Henry, Harvey, Arthur, Annabele, Lola, Molly, Evalyn, Dorothy, Adelaide, Eloise, Greta, Adelae and Ziva; sister, Cynthia Jarke; cousin and lifelong friend, Ruby Jensen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by husbands Ronald Taylor and Heinz Klusmeier, partner La Mont Meerdink, son Richard (Ellen) Klusmeier, and sister Marillyn Lightner.
A memorial service for Joyce will take place at 11:00 a.m. on June 28, 2021 at St. John's UCC, 1248 Lincoln Avenue, Sheboygan, WI. Rev. Gregory Whelton will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to visit at the church on the day of the service from 10:00-11:00. To live stream the service please go to www.stjohnssheboygan.com. Everyone is invited to gather at the Deland Community Center at 901 Broughton Drive, Sheboygan for lunch and desserts from 1:30-4:00. Inurnment will take place the following day, June 29 at 9:00 a.m. at Wildwood Cemetery in Sheboygan.
Memorials may be made to LaVerne’s Food Pantry at St. John’s UCC, 1248 Lincoln Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081, or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Azura Memory Care for their loving care and support. A special thank you to all Joyce’s friends and relatives who supported her by making visits; sending cards, letters, e-mails, flowers and gifts. Laurie, Ellen and Ron wish to express particular gratitude to cousin Linda Brantley of Dixon, Illinois for her ongoing exceptional love and care for her mother’s beloved sister. Rest in Peace, Rise in Glory!
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Joyce's funeral arrangements.