Our beautiful mother, Joyce M. Deininger, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at Sienna Crest Assisted Living in Darlington, Wis.  She was 93.

Joyce Marie Berget was born in South Wayne, Wis., July 11, 1929.  The youngest of six children, she grew up on the family farm and eventually moved into South Wayne.  After graduating from Blackhawk High School, Joyce moved to Monroe where she worked as a bookkeeper at Gateway Transportation.  It was while working in Monroe she met a handsome trumpet player, Forrest (Dinger) Deininger.  They married on Nov. 22, 1952. 

Purchase of the McNett auto dealership in 1962 brought Joyce and Dinger to Darlington.  Joyce worked as a bookkeeper at the dealership and volunteered in the community, while raising two daughters, Kris and Joan.  When a third daughter, Lisa, was born, Joyce became a full-time homemaker and provided in-home child care to several kids she also treated like her own.

Joyce leaves us a legacy of kindness and service to others.   She was a faithful caretaker of her aging parents, several siblings, and many others.  She lovingly made her house a home complete with warm meals, laughter, music, hugs and an endless supply of chocolate chip cookies.  

Joyce loved all animals, especially the strays and adopted pets she saved along the way. She loved to work hard, day in and day out, only stopping when her charley horse told her she was done.   On March 4, 1974, Joyce was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Her deep faith in God was one of her life’s most cherished motivations.  

Joyce loved her family, sons-in-law, and especially her grandchildren with her whole heart.  She is survived by her daughters: Kris Andrews of Madison, Joan (Ricky) Waniger of La Crosse, and Lisa (Eric) Nelson of Mequon; her grandchildren: Ben and Annie Waniger, and Lauren, Michael, Joe and Kitty Nelson; and beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Joyce’s husband Forrest died in 2011 after they had been married for over 58 years.  Joyce was also preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ida Berget; sisters and brothers Verna Ruegsegger, Carol Jackson, Raymond, Earl and Orville Berget; and son-in-law, Morris Andrews.

A public visitation will be held on March 4, from 11:00 -1:00 p.m., at Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington.  There will be a private family service and burial in the Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe, with Robert Haesler officiating. 

The family extends its deep appreciation to the exceptional staff of Sienna Crest Assisted Living, Agrace Hospice Care, and to Dr. Matt Solverson, who was always only a phone call away.