Joyce Marie Malvitz, 88, she was called to her Heavenly home on Friday, April 22, 2022. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Joyce, the beloved daughter of Herman (Rex) and Irene Hanamann was born in the town of Pierce on August 2, 1933. On February 4, 1956, Joyce married the love of her life, Harold Malvitz at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee, WI. From that day forward, they rarely, left each other’s side until Harold’s passing on June 12, 2020.
Joyce became a child of God through Baptism on September 3, 1933, and confirmed on May 25, 1947, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee. She graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy and Dr Martin Lutheran College in New Ulm, MN with a BA degree in Elementary Education. Her extensive educational background led her to Immanuel Lutheran School in Kewaunee, WI. where she taught first and second grade students for 23 years. She also taught in Bloomington Lutheran School in Minnesota and St. Peter’s in Forestville, WI. Joyce’s passion for teaching was influential in shaping the lives of countless children throughout her 27-year devotion to teaching. Joyce approached each day with a smile and positive attitude. While Joyce truly loved the blessings of teaching and encouraging the potential in her family and students, she always put God in the center of her life. Teaching her own children to put their trust in God. Joyce was deeply loved by her family for always loving them unconditionally. Joyce enjoyed gardening, fishing, crafting, cooking, canning, and baking multiple loaves of bread for her family each week.
Joyce was blessed with 7 children: Greg (Sheree) Malvitz, Debbie (Jim) Janssen, Paula (Robert) Braun, JoAnn (Tom) Van Pay, Kathy (Joe) Gerdmann, Kim (Jeff) Pallex, Kelli (Steve) Harvey. 13 grandchildren: Ashlee (Chris) Vaughn, Alicia (Josh) Kleiman, Abby (Travis) Bruening, Josh (Casey) Braun, Brooke (Jeff) Detert, JohnE (Leah) Anstett, Josh (Kendall) Van Pay, Amber (Nic) Remaker, Alex (Brittany) Gerdmann, Vince Pallex (special friend Cynthia Manson), Cody Harvey (special friend Wendy Lowry), Shane (Beth) Harvey, Shad (Amanda) Harvey, Terra (Dustin) Warino. 20 great grandchildren: Owen, Drew, and Bryn Vaughn, Miles, Tate and Davis Kleiman, Ellie, Willa and Henry Bruening, Emily and Wyatt Detert, Gavin and Ayden Remaker, Nora and Jack Gerdmann, Keldyn and Lenora Harvey, Emery and Ellie Warino, Flynn Van Pay.
Joyce is survived by: 3 sisters-in-law: Carol Hanamann, Jeanette Brusda, Dolly Schoenike, and 2 brothers–in-law Wayne Malvitz and Kenneth Schoenike.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Malvitz, her parents Herman (Rex) and Irene Hanamann, parents-in-law William and Hilda Malvitz, 1 brother, Richard Hanamann, 2 brother-in-laws Roy Malvitz and Alois Brusda, 2 sister-in-laws Carol Malvitz and Dorothy Malvitz and John Anstett, Sr.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Salem Lutheran Church with Rev. Tod Vertz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Tuesday. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com
The family offers a sincere “Thank You” to the staff at Grancare and Heartland Hospice. We are grateful for all the healthcare workers we have crossed paths with during Mom’s journey with Alzheimers.
