Joyce Marilyn Gansen

On July 8, 1938, Joyce was born in South Haven, Michigan, to the late Orlin and Margaret (Desimone) Manery. In 1958, Joyce married Bill Gansen. The two would go on to spend over 65 years together. Joyce is survived by her sons, Tom and Steve (Sheri) Gansen; grandchildren, Charlie, David (Natalie), Kevin (Kait), Stephen (Keisha), and Matthew (Ashley); and nine great-grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother.

Joyce always had a goal to become a nurse, and finally got her degree later in life. She used her knowledge and real-life experiences as an administrator at Fountainview Retirement Village of Portage where she tried to help make a difference with the residents who were on their journeys through life.

Joyce had a very strong faith and a love for the Lord. In her family’s “growing up” years, she was very actively involved in her church and eventually earned and received the Bishop’s Service Cross from the Bishop for her faithfulness, devotion, and service to the church.

Anyone who knew Joyce knew that family and friends were everything to her. Holidays at Joyce’s house were full of food and family, and she would never have it any other way! Christmas was her favorite, and both her and Bill’s decorations in the house were second to none! It was all about coming together and spending time as a family, but make no mistake, the dessert table was just as big as the main course table! She was a relatively private person, who loved to sit and read in a quiet room. She was a dedicated mother, wife, and grandmother, and she will be missed.

She will be honored in a private ceremony at Langeland Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s honor to the American Heart Association. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.