Obit: Claussen, Joyce Annabelle #2 (1923 - 2011)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Claussen, Bunten, Rusch, Zaborowski, Ringelspaugh, Marohl, Brooker, Thompson, Koller, Oldenkamp

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) January 26, 2011

Claussen, Joyce Annabelle (1 March 1923 - 18 January 2011)

Joyce A. Claussen, age 87, of Chippewa Falls, WI, formerly of Thorp, WI, passed away at Wissota Health & Regional Vent Center, in Chippewa Falls, on Tuesday, January 18, 2011.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Thorp. Chaplain Nate Oldenkamp officiated and burial followed at the East Thorp Cemetery.  Pallbearers were: Joe Claussen, Shaun Claussen, J. Zachary Ringelspaugh, Matthew Thompson, Elijah Koller and Ethan Koller.  Visitation was held at the church, on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Joyce Annabelle Rusch was born on March 1, 1923 in Thorp, WI, the daughter of Bernard and Baby Grace (Bunten) Rusch. She was raised and received her education in Thorp, graduating from Thorp High School in 1941. During high school, she worked for Blue Moon Cheese in Thorp.  After completing high school, Joyce moved to Phoenix, AZ to take care of her aunt.  While in Phoenix, she enrolled in and completed a business college program and then went to work for National Biscuit Company.  Joyce met the love of her life, Willard C. Claussen, at the U. S. O. dance, and they were united in marriage on November 28, 1943 in Phoenix. After his discharge from the service, they moved to Nebraska, where they rented a farm and raised Herford cattle for 2 years.  In 1947, they moved to California. While in California, Joyce stared and ran a child care business out of her home.  In the fall of 1957, they moved to rural Withee, WI, and then later bought a farm in the Town of Reseburg in the fall of 1959.  They farmed side by side until retiring in January of 1976, at which time they sold the farm and built the house in Thorp.  After retiring, Joyce worked for Wolf Pharmacy for many yeas as a cashier.  In August 205, they moved to Wissota Springs Assisted Living, in Chippewa Falls.

Joyce was a very active member of the United Methodist Church in Thorp; and was a member of the Sterling Homemakers.  She had many interests, but especially loved raising her children and grandchildren, farming alongside her husband, dancing, traveling the states, cross-stitching, quilting, and collecting antiques.

She will be dearly missed by four children: Nancy (Bill) Zaborowski of Galesville, WI; Betty (John) Ringelspaugh of Tomah, WI; Charles (Jan) Claussen of Medford, WI; Catherine (Charles) Marohl of Eau Claire, WI; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her dear valentine, Willard, on February 14, 2007; one sister, Ruth Brooker; and three brothers: Donald, Kenneth and Allen James in infancy.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Thorp Public Library.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cuddiefh.com.

Thorp Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.