Joyce Winn Ness, age 91 of Monroe, formerly of Wiota, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 12, 1926 in Lafayette County, Wis. the daughter of Silas and Lavina (Engebretson) Thoreson. Joyce graduated from Argyle High School in 1945. She was united in marriage to James Winn on Dec. 18, 1952 at Wiota Parsonage in Wiota.  Together they had four children. James preceded her in death in 1964. She later married Loyis Ness on Oct. 25, 1987 at West Wiota Lutheran Church. Joyce grew up in the Wiota area. She worked at Wiota Cash Grocery, Commercial & Savings Bank in Monroe, and Dick’s Supermarket in Darlington.
Joyce is survived by her children: Janice (Harv) Kucaba of Janesville, Joan Winn Rufenacht of Monroe, Jim (Laurene) Winn of Wiota, and Julie Stephenson of Monticello; three grandchildren: Jamie (Bill) Smith, Ashley (Chad) Fox, and Chad Stephenson; five step-grandchildren: Lisa (Kevin) Swales and Shelly (Jason) Givens, Greg (Kris) Rufenacht, Jeff Rufenacht and Mark (Kim) Rufenacht; six great-grandchildren, nine step-great grandchildren; “honorary grandson” Torry Swiggum and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Silas and Lavina; stepfather: James Lynn; husbands: James Winn and Loyis Ness; and two sisters: Mavis Thoreson and Beverly Thoreson Riendeau.
Joyce was a member of Wiota Lutheran Church and it’s Mary Circle, Wiota Fireman’s Auxiliary and Wiota Happy Homemakers. She loved music, dancing, playing cards, Dominos, and baking. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, creating memories they will forever remember.  Joyce loved to entertain family and friends.  She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church in Wiota (6682 State Road 78, South Wayne, WI 53587) with Rev. Traci Maass officiating. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wiota Lutheran Church. A visitation will also be held Friday, Dec. 29, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Joyce’s name.
The family would like to express their sincere heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the outstanding staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Joyce and her family.