Joyce M. Abel

Joyce M. Abel passed away on February 25, 2018 at the age of 96. She was born in London, England, the daughter of Alice and Ernest Roberts. Joyce spent her childhood and early adulthood in London. In 1942, she enlisted with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the woman’s branch of the British Army. She served as a clerk until her exemplary release from the military in 1945. It was during the Second World War that Joyce met and married in London, the love of her life, Lester Abel, who preceded her in death in 1995.

Joyce and Lester settled in Appleton, WI after the war and she became a naturalized US citizen in 1955. Over the years, she focused on raising her children and worked as a secretary for several local companies. She will be remembered for her generous and caring nature and for her unending love and commitment to family and friends. We fondly remember her traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding Sunday dinners, which brought a little of her English culture to the family. Joyce greatly enjoyed her passion for knitting, reading, and spending time at the family lake home in Amherst, WI.

Joyce is survived and will be dearly missed by her sons Roger (Nancy) Abel and Bill (Lori) Abel. Joyce will always be loved by her grandchildren-Denise (Ryan) Kositzke, Mark Abel, John Manderfeld, David (Katelyn) Abel, Maggie Abel, Charlie Abel, her six great grandchildren, and many dear friends. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lester Abel, and her daughter Sharon Abel.

Services honoring and celebrating Joyce’s life will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at the Wichmann Funeral Tri Country Chapel, 1592 S. Oneida Street, at 11:00 AM. Memorial visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Joyce will be laid to rest privately by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please hug the ones you love.