Joyce M. Kaziak

Joyce M. Kaziak, age 104, of Woodruff, WI, whose life touched many, passed away on Thursday, April 30th at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff. Joyce was born on July 9, 1921, in Mosinee, WI, the daughter of Arthur and Laura (nee Kanter) Schulz. She graduated from Mosinee High School in 1939. She married Alvin Kaziak on June 21, 1944, at Catholic Chapel, Navy Pier in Chicago. They moved to Minocqua in 1949, then Woodruff in 1956. They had 5 children. Even while raising a family, Joyce kept busy. She worked at the Woodruff Post Office, where Al was Postmaster, continuing on after his death in 1971. She was employed at various businesses in the area, later being elected treasurer for the Town of Woodruff for 20 years, finally retiring just before her 80th birthday.

Joyce lived life to the fullest. Those who knew her would know it’s hard to list all of her qualities and accomplishments of almost 105 years without missing some. Her faith was extremely important to her. So were serving others and travel. She was very active in her community, often holding offices such as president or treasurer. She was a charter member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church, Lakeland Retirement Foundation, Wilderness Garden Club, the Retreads, and American Legion Unit 292. Joyce was also a member of various church groups, the Order of Franciscans Secular, Lakeland Women’s Club, Cancer Society, AARP, VFW, and American Legion Auxiliary 89. She volunteered with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, at HYMC, and the Dr. Kate Pelham Newcomb Museum (being a Dr. Kate mother, herself). She traveled to most of the United States as well as 27 different countries. She loved to sing, garden, read, play bunco, and knew how to have fun, making the best of every situation.

When asked her secret for such a long life, she’d say pray, eat right, work hard, and swim. Joyce was known for her delicious salads. She swam in Clear Lake until age 97, with November 3, 2015, being the record of the latest lake swim of the season!

She is survived by her children: Kathryn Lesniak, Mary Ruth Hunn, Jerome (Sharon) Kaziak, Jean (Rick) LaPlante, John (Beth) Kaziak; grandchildren: Jeff, Jennifer, Jason, Tom, Steve, Keith, Tracy, Alex, Claire, JAK; great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Jadelyn, Lexi, Leah, Lydia, Tom, Rachel, Sierra, Jackson, Carter, Will, Wyatt; great-great grandchildren: Morgan, Quinn, Elijah, Cecilia; and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death her husband, parents, siblings: Ruth Martin, Mildred Schulta, Dorothea Levandoski, Edward Schulz, Valeria Legried, and William Schulz; sons-in-law: Robert Lesniak and Robert Hunn; and best friends: Deloris, Barb, and Lorraine.

Extreme gratitude is extended to the wonderful people at Nimsgern Funeral Home, Aspirus Comfort Care and Seasons of Life; Kim and the residents of One Penny Place; Leanne and the girls from NWSHC; the volunteers of Holy Family Church and Meals on Wheels, and Rick.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Reception will follow at Nimsgern Funeral Home Reception Hall. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dr. Kate Museum, or Holy Family Catholic Church (Faith Formation Program), Woodruff.