Joyce Marie Byl, age 68, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was a beautiful soul. She was born the daughter of Carl and Helen Olsen on January 18, 1955, in Frederic, WI and spent her early childhood on the family farm in Milltown. Joyce and her mom later moved into town after the sudden passing of her dad when she was just ten years old. Joyce graduated from Unity High School with the class of 1973. During her high school years, she played the clarinet, was a cheerleader, and secretly spent one night in the Unity School with her best friends practicing cheers and gymnastics and sharing great stories. The teachers never believed this story because Joyce and her friends were such innocent kids.

Joyce met the love of her life, Michael Byl, at the Luck-E in Luck. It didn't take long and they were joined in marriage on May 17, 1975. Joyce worked at the First National Bank in St. Croix Falls and the Frederic Farmers Exchange Bank in Frederic until the birth of her first daughter, Sara. When she first learned she was expecting, she ran through the cornfield to Mike, who was cultivating, to tell him they were going to be parents. Joyce always wanted a family; they were so happy. Joyce and Mike were blessed with three more children, Jenny, Laura and Paul. She loved raising her kids on the farm and worked hard on the farm as well. For being a "town girl," it didn't take her long to master the many tasks at hand. Joyce would haul wagons like a champ, feed calves, unload hay, pick rock, do the books…the list could go on and on; she was a wonderful farmer who also took great pride in keeping her yard pristine. Mowing grass was her favorite summer pastime. She loved working right alongside Mike and taught her kids great values. Throughout all their years of farming, she always put her children first. She never missed an event, activity or special occasion and was their biggest cheerleader.

Being a wife, mom and grandma were Joyce's most treasured titles. Her caring yet witty personality kept life full of joy, laughter and love. She took great pride in creating a loving home. Joyce’s favorite moments were spent around the kitchen table with family and friends. She loved birthdays and any reason to celebrate as it brought everyone together. Joyce had a wonderful personality. She loved a good prank and one of her favorite things was to hide throughout the house and scare whoever was innocently walking past. She got the biggest thrill out of this and loved to laugh. She made life so much fun. She is missed dearly.

It was no secret that Joyce loved chocolate, especially those Hershey candy bars with an ice-cold diet mountain dew. Joyce made the best chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fudge. She could whip up a delicious meal in no time and fed many farm crews over the years. She welcomed everyone with open arms. Joyce loved people and was such a joy to be around. Her smile and warm personality lit up the room and she was quick to initiate a great conversation with others, never letting anyone feel unwelcome. Joyce had one of the best hearts around.

Later in Joyce’s life, Sara came home to farm and Joyce sought employment at the St Croix Falls Hospital as a charge entry specialist. She worked with some of the nicest people who made her feel welcomed and loved. Joyce worked there for four and a half years until her cancer returned again and she had to concentrate on treatments. When she returned home, she (with her great smile) declared herself CEO of the farm. It was often said that Joyce was the main boss on the farm and if you wanted anything, it was her you had to convince.

Joyce would soon be blessed with grandchildren and she loved them all dearly. She loved attending their activities and made them feel so special. She loved to arm wrestle them and played anything their hearts desired.

Joyce was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake, where she always said she belonged to the most beautiful church. She also proudly served on the Luck School Board for two terms.

Joyce was a cancer warrior for 23 years. She faced everything cancer threw at her with strength and courage and never gave up once. She never complained or wanted anyone to feel bad for her. Even in her last few days, she told the hospice nurse she was "doing pretty good.” She showed her husband, children and grandchildren her strength many times over.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Michael Byl; children, Sara Byl, Jenny (Ben) Binversie, Laura (Corey) Krenz, and Paul (Jena) Byl; grandchildren, Jacob, Nick, Noah, Kristyn, Lilly, Connor and, coming in March, Chloe Joyce Krenz. Joyce is also survived by sister, Marilyn (Dick) Meissner; sister-in-laws, Kathleen White, Brenda (Mark) Ryan; brother-in-law Pat (Jeanne) Byl; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Helen; brothers, Michael, Jim and Scott; nephews, Timothy Meissner, Eric Ryan and Austin Byl; and father and mother-in-law, Vernon and Marion.

A visitation will be held on February 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Rowe Funeral home in Luck, WI. Funeral services will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake on February 18 at 1 p.m. Cake, cheese, milk, coffee and an abundance of Hershey bars (Joyce’s favorite) will be served after the service in the church basement. Both locations are handicap accessible.

Last Update: Feb 09, 2023 12:14 pm CST