Joyce E. Harzke, 88, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. Joyce was born May 11, 1932 in Merrill daughter of the late Jerry A. and Kate (Rohde) Zortman. She attended both Jefferson Elementary School in Merrill and Merrill Senior High School. On December 31, 1949 Joyce married Leonard ‘Bud’ Harzke in St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. He preceded her in death on April 1, 1995. Joyce had worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill for 44 years. She enjoyed gambling, knitting and crocheting, and watching the Green Bay Packers. But most of all, Joyce enjoyed her grandchildren.
Joyce is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth (Dennis) Sabatke; four grandchildren, Jason (Carla) Sabatke, Valerie (Darin) Alft, Beth (Michael) Houle, and Kirsten (Marc) Evans; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and one sister, Shirley Zortman-Pfister. Besides her parents and husband, Joyce is preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Allen, Florence Kania, and an infant sister; and eight brothers, Lester, Floyd, Jerry, Harold, Lorin, Robert, Clifford, and Lyndon Zortman.
Graveside service will begin at 11:00 AM Friday, May 22, 2020 at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The Rev. Lucas Williams will preside. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill is assisting the family. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS THE FAMILY REQUESTS MEMORIALS BE DIRECTED TO THE LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.