Joyce Marie (Ammerman) Anderson, 87, passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. She was born Sept. 18, 1939, to Roland and Arlyne Ammerman.
Joyce married Vernon Anderson on Nov. 30, 1957. Together they built a family and a lifetime of memories. Joyce spent 22 years working at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee before eventually retiring and returning up north.
Joyce was a woman who never needed a microphone to make herself heard. Feisty, quick-witted and unapologetically herself, she didn’t sugarcoat things, didn’t waste time beating around the bush.
Joyce also had the biggest heart. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, a warmth that could brighten a room, and a kindness that showed up in the little things. Joyce was strong, resilient and full of life, with a wonderful sense of humor that could bring laughter even on the hardest days. She was the kind of woman who left an impression wherever she went, not because she tried to, but because being herself was more than enough.
To her grandchildren, she was simply Granny, but she was much more than a grandmother to her own family. She was Granny to an entire community. If you needed a recipe, a pair of pants hemmed, a vehicle to borrow, someone to listen or someone to tell you how it really was, Granny was your person. She could offer a helping hand, a listening ear or a well-deserved scolding, sometimes all within the same conversation. And if she didn’t have what you needed, she’d find a way.
Her kitchen was a place of comfort, guidance, tradition and some closely guarded recipes. Her potato pancakes and chicken pot pie were legendary, and her collection of cookbooks could keep several generations busy. She passed along more than recipes; she passed along traditions, lessons and the occasional reminder that there was, in fact, a right way to do things.
Joyce was a cancer survivor for over 35 years, demonstrating the strength and determination that were such a big part of who she was. She loved to travel and visited nearly every state, along with trips to Canada and two visits to Israel.
She was active in her community and dedicated much of her time to others. Joyce was involved with the Hayes Homemakers, the Suring Library Page Turners from 2003-15, a cancer support group in Oconto Falls and a sheephead group for 10 years. She also enjoyed many years of playing nickels with a group of friends (Donna, Dar, Lois and Sharon, to name a few).
She was proud of her faith and a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Gillett, she served on numerous church committees and was passionate about the egg salad being done just right.
She leaves behind her handsome striped cat that she adored, Snuggles.
Joyce loved her family fiercely, helped her friends generously and had a way of making ordinary moments feel special and lived life entirely on her own terms. She was strong, stubborn when necessary (and sometimes when it wasn’t), funny, caring and one of a kind. She was the matriarch of her family, a trusted friend, a familiar face to so many and a Granny to all. Her influence lives on in the traditions she passed down, the recipes she shared, the advice she gave and the countless people whose lives she touched.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Sandra Olivier; grandchildren Andrew (Amy) Schulz, Lori Schulz, William (Jaimie) Schulz, Gerald (Amanda) Schulz, Joshua Anderson, Steven (Natalie) Anderson, Dustin Lederer, Ammie (Jake) Anderson, Rachel Thompson, Paige (Cody) Thompson, Nichole Olivier; great-grandchildren Caleb, Jaxsen, Katie and Kaeson; her sister, Lois Reichwald; brothers-in-law, Melvin Reichwald and Robert Anderson; special friend, Gary (Jordan) Heise; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Anderson; her children, Steven and Susie; her sisters, Charlotte Wasmund and Pamela McMahon; and her brothers-in-law, Norman Wasmund and Douglas McMahon.
Joyce leaves behind a legacy that will take a lifetime to fully appreciate. She will be missed not only by her family but by the many people who were fortunate enough to know her.
There will never be another Granny quite like Joyce. Life will certainly be a little less interesting without her opinions, a little less comforting without her advice and a little less delicious without her cooking.
She may have left us, but we’re fairly certain she still has opinions about how we’re doing things.
Rest peacefully, Granny. You will never be forgotten.
Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett on Dec. 6, 2026. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. with service to follow. A celebration of life and meal will be provided afterwards at Breed Community Center Town Hall.
