Joyce L. (Kufahl) Utecht

Joyce Ludeen (Kufahl) Utecht (née Moericke) was born January 19, 1935, in the Town of Dupont, Waupaca County, to Harvey and Anna (Fritz) Moericke. Joyce was united in marriage on April 12, 1955, to Edward A. Kufahl in Chetek, Wisconsin. The couple moved to the Town of Maine, in Marathon County, and lived with Ed’s parents for several years before they built their own home next door on the family farm. Ed lovingly teased Joyce, calling her “Ludee” in a nod to her dislike of her given middle name. The couple had 4 children, all boys. In addition to being a mother and farmer’s wife, Joyce also ran her own business for over 25 years out of their home, Joyce’s Beauty Shop, which was not only a successful business but a community social hub, and she prided herself in keeping her prices affordable for her customers.

The couple was active in Marathon County and the Town of Maine leadership roles, as well as the Maine Lions Club. In their younger years, they were blessed with many great travels within the United States and enjoyed attending celebrations that included polka dancing and card playing (sheepshead). Joyce maintained a large social network of friends for much of her life, many of whom were also neighbors and extended family members. During the summer months, there were many times she would welcome nieces and nephews to stay at the farm. Joyce took turns hosting her homemakers’ diet club, playfully nicknamed “Fat Club,” where the ladies met to support one another and where, ironically, desserts were always served. Ed and Joyce celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at Schmidt’s Ballroom, which was attended by many friends and family.

Joyce was a hard worker and a generous giver. Even after retirement from farming and her beauty shop, she enjoyed driving school bus. Like a master chef, Joyce could miraculously create great feasts that always included homemade desserts. She kept her kitchen drawers unsupervised and stocked with candy and cookies for the grandkids. Joyce's house was an open and welcoming home to family and neighbors alike. Joyce found joy as a generous gift-giver throughout her life.

Joyce showed us that you love and take care of your family, no matter what. No matter what your journey was into her family or how far away you lived, you were her family. Joyce also led by example in how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps after setbacks, and how to stay true to your faith in our Savior, Jesus, throughout all stages of life. She was a lifelong believer in the Lutheran faith. She had her fair share of trials and tribulations in life, but she stayed strong and continued to care for others even when she herself needed some care.

Ed, the love of her life, passed in 1997 after his battle with cancer. After grieving Ed’s death, Joyce eventually remarried to a long-time couple’s friend and a widower himself, Melvin Utecht, on July 6, 2000. Joyce cared for Mel for 7 years before he, too, passed away.

Joyce stayed true to her love of polka music. It was not uncommon to hear the loud polka music coming from her vehicle even before she pulled into the driveway. She enjoyed watching polka dancing on the TV later in life when she was no longer cranking the tunes in her car. Joyce was a lifelong Milwaukee Brewers fan, and she loyally rode the rollercoaster of the joys and frustrations that entailed. She was also a fan of every holiday and of family parties, being the first to arrive decked out in her holiday attire.

Joyce peacefully returned to her heavenly home in the early hours of Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the age of 90 years old, while under the care of Rennes Health & Rehab and Aspirus Hospice. The family would like to thank the many caretakers who assisted Joyce over the past year and a half and especially in her final days.

Survivors include 3 of 4 sons, Scott (Deb) Kufahl, Jay (Lynn) Kufahl all of Wausau, and Jess (Diane) Kufahl of Merrill; 10 beloved grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Everts, Sarah Welch, James (Casey) Kufahl, Jeramy Kufahl, Angela Phelps, Cassandra Kufahl, Melissa (Brent) Obernberger, Shane Kufahl, Katelyn (Reza) Sarvestani, Benjamin (Lara) Kufahl; many great grandchildren; one sibling, Gale Moericke of Quinlan, Texas; sister-in-law, Geneva of Clintonville; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed; her son, Guy Kufahl; two brothers, Gerald (Geraldine Brass) Moericke, John Moericke; three sisters, Jean (Elroy) Raduchel, Dawn (Norman) Yaeger, Orley (Edward) Sparks; Melvin Utecht; her grandson-in-law, Jesse Welch.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, sharing this exact date with her husband Ed’s funeral, 28 years prior. Service will be held at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, 402 N 3rd Avenue, Wausau, 54401. The Rev. Mary E. Zupansic will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be in Berlin Cemetery, Town of Berlin, following the funeral service, with a luncheon held back at church following the committal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First English Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting Joyce’s family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.