Joyce Elaine Oelke

Joyce Elaine Oelke, age 99, of Merrill passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Joyce was born to Ervin and Gwendolyn (Schmieden) Aschbrenner on January 19, 1927, in the town of Maine. She was the oldest of Ervin and Gwendolyn’s 17 children. Joyce married Wallace Oelke on September 6, 1947 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Wausau. He proceeded her in death on February 26, 2008.

Growing up, Joyce spent a lot of time helping to raise her 16 younger siblings and helping to take care of the house. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1944. Joyce spent her early career working at Marathon Electric Corporation. Joyce and Wallace purchased Marion Feed & Grain in August 1964 and sold the business in September 1973. Joyce was an extremely strong woman, having beat ovarian cancer in 1960 and breast cancer in 1993.

Joyce was an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Marathon, WI, where she served on the Ladies Aid for many years, having served as President and Treasurer. She was a member of the Altar Guild for 30 years. Furthermore, she served as the President and Treasurer of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting, reading, doing puzzles, and cooking for her loved ones.

Wallace and Joyce had one son, Jerome. During her retirement, she helped watch and care for her three grandchildren most days, especially during the summers. We all loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpa, especially having sleepovers at their house.

Joyce is survived by her son, Jerome, and daughter-in-law, Janice Oelke; grandchildren: Jordan (Matthew) Meidl, Joel (Sharee) Oelke, and Julia (Charlie Beyer) Oelke; and bonus great-granddaughter, Nicole Hall. She is further survived by her sisters, Marlene (Duke) Thurs, and Lois Higgins; brothers: Kenneth Aschbrenner, Allen (Mary Ann) Aschbrenner, Larry (Carol) Aschbrenner, Leon (Kitty) Aschbrenner, Rodney (Lorna) Aschbrenner, Warren (Suzanne) Aschbrenner, and Roy (Barbara) Aschbrenner; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Joyce was proceeded in death by her husband, Wallace; parents, Ervin and Gwendolyn; and in-laws Albert and Louise (Wilde) Oelke. She was also proceeded in death by her sisters: Beverly (Hank) Albrecht, Geraldine (Kenneth) Wood, and Joan (Vernon) Marquardt; brothers: Dale (Joyce) Aschbrenner, Donald (Isabel) Aschbrenner, Gene (Nina) Aschbrenner, and Fred (Maureen) Aschbrenner; brothers-in law: Ron Higgins, Harvey (Violet) Oelke, Norman (Verna) Oelke, Ralph Oelke and Myron Oelke; and sisters-in-law Evelyn (William) Woelfle, and Marjorie (Herb Jr.) Fromm.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Marathon, WI. Reverend Jon Hadler will officiate. Visitation will immediately precede the funeral service from 9:00-12:00 pm. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, WI at a later date.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the care team at the Aspirus Hospice House for their diligent care of Joyce in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Mission Circle and/or the Aspirus Hospice House.

Helke Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Wausau is honored to assist Joyce’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.helke.com.