Joyce M. "Joy" Schleitwiler

Joyce “Joy” Mary Schleitwiler (nee Ackmann), age 96 of Appleton, WI passed away Tuesday, January 18^th, 2022.  She was born to Louise and Lloyd Ackmann on August 26, 1925 in Appleton.  She graduated from Appleton West High School in 1943 and went on to meet the love of her life, Frank Schleitwiler in 1947 on a blind date.  They were married in 1948 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Appleton.  Joyce spent five years as one of the first telephone operators helping to convert the nation to the dial system.  After that, she and Frank started a family.  They had three children: Tom, Lindy, and Mark, who she loved more than anything else in the world.  Because of that love, she became a full-time mother, spending her days creating a loving home.  During their retirement, Joyce and Frank attended college together at UW Oshkosh, graduating in 1983 with bachelor’s degrees with high honors.  They also enjoyed golfing, making jewelry, restoring antiquities, knitting, traveling, camping, and always caring for family.

Mom was a very thoughtful and kind woman.  She had incredible artistic and creative abilities.  She could look at anything and be able to make it.  She made a point of remembering and acknowledging special events in others’ lives.  Mom was a caregiver by nature, empathetic toward everyone.  She would often say “it doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her.  She graced and spoiled them with attention and affection.  Holidays were always special in the Schleitwiler home.  Mom would always make giant batches of delicious cookies and candy.  But more than anything, we enjoyed the love she gave to us all.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents; and her brothers, Tom and Jim.

Joyce is survived by her children, Tom (Carolyn), Lindy (Jeff), and Mark (Caryn), as well as her adopted daughter, Annie (Glenn); grandchildren, Emily (Stew), Ben, Kate (Alan), Jeff (Christa), and Tess (Riley); great-grandchildren, Damion, Liam, Mila, Jeffrey, Max, and Cal; sisters-in-law, Sally and Pat; and her special cousin and lifelong friend, Lois.

“Take care of your family, your friends, your neighbors, your animals, and then yourself.” – Joyce