Joyce Vivian Peters, 86 years young, passed away with peace and grace in her home surrounded by her loving husband, five daughters and other close family members. She was born on February 24, 1931 in Polar, a daughter of the late Joseph and Bernice "Peg" (Stuempges) Hanke. Joyce grew up on the banks of the Lily River in Lily, WI where she helped on the family mink ranch, learned to love nature and enjoyed many outdoor activities.
She attended Lily Grade School and graduated from White Lake High School. On June 17, 1950 she married James "Ken" Peters at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva and the couple moved to Langlade where they raised five daughters.
Joyce was an active member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and Wolf River Ski Belles. She was a 4-H Leader and volunteered for many community activities.
She was an avid downhill and cross-country skier and spent countless hours teaching her girls to master the slopes at Kettle Bowl Ski hill and inspired her friends to ski the ungroomed cross country wilderness trails. Joyce competed in several cross country ski races and her biggest feat was completing the Birkebeiner Korteloppet at age 55. She also skied many resorts in the West. She loved country swing dancing with Ken, sewing for her daughters and grandchildren, quilting, baking sweets, tending her flower gardens and power walking in the early hours of the morning. She traveled throughout the U.S. and made several trips to Europe and Mexico.
In 2007 Joyce and Ken sold their home in Langlade and moved to Tucson, Arizona where she enjoyed many activities such as golf, Red Hats, Tai Chi, hiking Little Cat Mountain and sightseeing. In 2016 they returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family.
Her ability to make friends was her special gift. Joyce's warm smile, engaging personality and kind compliments led to many new friendships of all ages and in many places.
Survivors include her husband, Ken of Antigo; five daughters, Colleen (Alan) Peters of Ladysmith, Mary Jo (Patrick) Peters of Langlade, Cindy (Tim) Lawson of San Clemente, CA, Susan Peters of Elmwood Park, IL and Jamee (Stephanie) Peters of Langlade; five grandchildren, Alivia, Corey, Andrew, Hannah and Benjamin; three sisters, Joan Cook of Antigo, Jane Jackson of Pickerel, Judy (Victor) Skaleski of Green Bay. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Langlade with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Memorials in Joyce's name may be directed to Sts. James and Stanislaus Parish, White Lake Area Historical Society or LeRoyer Hospice.
Services
Visitation
White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
Service
White Lake, Wisconsin 54491
2 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
So sorry to hear about your Mom Colleen. I didn't know her but I know the loss of losing a Mom. she has a beautiful smile and sounds like she was a amazing lady and a joy to be with. praying God will comfort you and your family. love and Prayers. Phyllis cline Arrowood
It took me so long to call her Joyce and not Mrs. Peters. What a vibrant woman she will be missed. I will miss her always warm welcome. My condolences to Ken and all the girls.
A very happy day for Joyce and my Mom on my wedding day 2004.
Joyce was my friend and neighbor in Tucson and we shared good times and laughter together. Our friendship was relatively short (5 years) but somehow it seemed like we were lifelong friends. My deepest condolences to Ken and the girls. Your loss is great. She was an angel and now she really is. Bernice
I spent a lot of time in the Peters' home as a kid. Whenever I was there they seemed to have Chili for supper. I thought that must be all they ate. ANYWAY, sometime in the early 70's - during the homemade raft races, Mrs. Peters thought she would teach Jamee and I about helping the environment by offering us five cents for every can we collected...she meant we should get them off of the ground. We got cans from the ground, from people, from the garbage and wherever we could get them. We raked in the money! She never attempted to teach us a lesson by offering us money again. One of my best memories....ever. I sure loved her, and all of you girls and your dad. Sending love and prayers your way.
I will never forget the kindness that your mother showed to me as I was growing up or our friendship, Colleen. Modern FamilyLliving class was a ball. I miss those days. I will never forget your Mom helping me pick out my prom dress. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Sorry to read of your mom's passing. Hugs to you and your family. Sincerely, Carole (Siebert ) Destache
To all of the Peters' family, my heart goes out to you. While I didn't know Joyce well, she was always an inspiration....if only I could match her style and enthusiasm as I age. Ken and Jamee were both instrumental in finding Larry and me our perfect piece of heaven here, in the North woods. Hang on to all of those beautiful memories and know that she in on a hiking trail, in heaven. My love and prayers to all of you. The stars will shine a bit brighter now, with Joyce to bring the fun. Winnie Baker
Mrs. Peters had a mega watt smile and a great laugh which all of her darling daughters inherited!! She certainly brought out the adventurer in our mom! I remember the two of them hatching a plan to do a mother/daughter trip down the Wolf River. (does anyone else remember that trip??) We laughed a lot and somehow, mom and I ended up at Shotgun Eddie's instead of at Herb's like we were supposed to. :)
Blessings and love to your family
xooxoxo Becky Gamble Skibo
I have many wonderful memories at Colleen's home with her wonderful family when I was a girl. It was always such a warm place to be, and I know most of it was because of Joyce. She was always so welcoming. Years ago my mother got the opportunity to work with her and just loved her. They shared many conversations and laughs. To Colleen and the rest of the family you have our deepest sympathy and love. Prayers and hugs to you all. Love to you dear friend Colleen. Laurie [Mauk] and Jerry McGee
I have so many fond memories of your mother, she was such a wonderful and loving lady! All of you are very blessed to have had her guide you Thur life😊May she Rest In Peace. Tom and Debbie Elst
Dear Ken, and Girls,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce. She was always an inspiration when I was growing up and I will never forget her beautiful smile. When I think of her, I always see the smile. My husband and I were so blessed last summer by running into Colleen, a sister and Mom and Dad at St. Johns Church. I hadn't seen all of you in many years and it is a visit I will always remember. Joyce was a wonderful Christian person who led by example. I know your hearts are sad. Only time will heal. With sincere prayers and sympathy, Mary( Wahleithner) O'Brien
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