Joyce Knapp

Joyce Knapp, age 97 passed away peacefully at home on December 8th. Joyce was born in Wausau in 1927 to Art Meuret and Emma (Janke) Meuret. She was the 5th of 10 children.

Joyce worked for 45 years as a clerk at Rib Mountain Hardware. She is remembered fondly by her former customers for her friendliness and in-depth knowledge of anything hardware related. Joyce is remembered by her family members as a sister/aunt who embodied her mother's loving nature. With the ability to love all with nonjudgemental understanding. Joyce used her extensive cookbook collection to pamper all who came through her door. One of her passions was physical fitness. She was known as the iron pumping grandma at Frank's Gym where she made many new, wonderful friends.

As a young widow Joyce raised her son alone until he left for the university, encouraging him to seek his own path in life.

She was loved and preceded in death by her husbands, Dorvin Tornow (1957), Reinhart Knapp (1980), Fred Knapp (2000), and Ralph Tidd (2022). Her parents Art and Emma Meuret: brothers Don, Gordy, and Wally. Sisters Bea, Dee, and Bev along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Joyce is survived by her son Wayne (Skip) Tornow (Sue Anne) - Harsens Island, Michigan, Grandsons David Tornow - Copper Mountain Colorado, Charles Tornow (Connie) - Waterford Michigan. Great grandchildren Adelaide, Lucas, and Theo. Family members Deb and Jim Dumdey - Kronenwetter , Shirl Meuret - Wausau, Jiggs Meuret (JoAnn) - Weston , Curly Meuret (Karen) - Wausau, Redda Meuret - Hatley and multiple nieces and nephews.

Many loving neighbors and special friends contributed to her ability to live independently in her own home.

A celebration of life will be held:

 Helke Funeral Home - Thursday December 19th - 3:00 - 7:00 PM

Catholic Mass- Holy Name - Friday December 20th- Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 - Mass following, Fr Sam Martin officiating

Internment - Restlawn Cemetery - Monday December 23rd - 12:00PM

Pallbearers:  Jim , Bob , Barry , & Gary Meuret. Charles & David Tornow

Special thanks to Deb Mitchell and Leslei Dickerson

Our eternal gratitude to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, what a great team.