Joyce Ann Karnitz, 83, Algoma, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Bellin hospital in Green Bay. Joyce was born on July 4, 1937 to the late Frank and Anna (Crabb) Tiedtke. She married Ken Karnitz on May 24, 1958 at St. Paul’s in Algoma.
She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, where in her early years, played piano for many Christmas programs. She loved spending time with family and friends, going out to eat with her lifelong friends Bob and Dolly Hafeman. Her favorite getaway was to spend time at the cottage in Sand Bay, with her family. Joyce was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who was an excellent homemaker and amazing cook. She loved cooking and entertaining, especially on Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Shanty Days, and her 4th of July birthday party. She had a heart of gold, was very giving and caring. She loved spending time with grandchildren and great grandchild. They will have these memories to forever hold dear to their hearts. She also had a love for animals, especially her cat Teko. She became known as “Grandma Teko” or “Grandma with the kitty” to her grandchildren and great-grandchild Ember.
Joyce is survived by her husband of 62+ years, Ken Karnitz; children, Kevin (Carla) Karnitz, Algoma, Kim (Todd) Jorgensen, Luxemburg, Toby (Dave) Benesh, Algoma; grandchildren, Karey Karnitz, Jordan & Lindsey Jorgensen, Brennen (fiancé Kirsten) Benesh, Brett Benesh; great-granddaughter Ember; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clifford (Carol) Karnitz; as well as by nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, Kraig; her parents, Frank and Anna Tiedtke; sister, Delores (Norbert) Entringer; brother, John (Luella) Tiedtke; father- and mother-in-law, Fred and Anna Karnitz; as well as by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many other relatives.
Visitation will take place at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home – Algoma from 4-7 pm on Friday, February 12, 2021. Visitation will continue at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 9:30-10:45 am. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 am with Pastors Joel McKenney and John Moll officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, social distancing will be practiced, and facemasks are required to be worn. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.wiesnermassart.com.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the entire staff at the Bellin Hospital ER and ICU, especially moms nurse Ashley and Dr. Richard Sue.
Joyce was truly an Angel on earth she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all those she touched with kindness and a warm heart.
