Joyce E. Wetzel (nee Loether), 74, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at Kathy Hospice.

Joyce was born on Aug. 13, 1936, to Richard Sr. and Julia (nee Pechstein) Loether in Ashippun. She married Robert on Aug. 6, 1955, at Salem Lutheran Church in Hartford and the couple later moved to West Bend.

Joyce was a homemaker and also helped her husband in his construction business and later was a short order cook. She loved to bake and cook for special occasions, especially Thanksgiving dinner. She also loved gardening, camping, painting pictures, cross stitching, sewing and dancing with her husband whenever there was music playing. But most of all Joyce loved her children, treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband Robert; children Robert (Irene) Wetzel, Debra Wetzel, Julie (Martin) Harris, Patricia (Antonio) Gurrola, Howard (Carol) Wetzel, Tony (Wendy) Wetzel, Daniel (Peggy) Wetzel, Pam (Terry) Boudry, Larry (Lori) Wetzel, Dale (Denise) Wetzel, Carolyn (Larry Hillyer) Bonilla. She is further survived by her 32 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren, bothers Robert (Joy) Loether, Mike Loether, sisters Betty Harrings, Bonnie (Ronnie) Toman, Ginny (Jim) Mullaly, Gerrie (David) Wetzel, Karlene (Robert) Wetzel Jr., sisters-in-law Nancy (Robert) Frohn and Linda (Mark) Passig, her dog Tipsy, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Loether, sister Shirley Loether, parentsin-law Paul Sr. (Elizabeth) Wetzel, brothers in-law Paul Wetzel Jr, Joe Harrings and special pet Scruppy.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel of West Bend with Rev. Darin Wiebe presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. until time of service (1 p.m.).

 Joyce loved many different charities, so in lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated and will be distributed.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital third floor, ICU nursing staff and all her doctors.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family, 338-2050, www.phillipfuneralhome.com.