Joyce Ludeen (Kufahl) Utecht (née Moericke) peacefully returned to her heavenly home in the early hours of Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the age of 90 years old, while under the care of Rennes Health & Rehab and Aspirus Hospice.
Survivors include 3 of 4 sons, Scott (Deb) Kufahl, Jay (Lynn) Kufahl all of Wausau, and Jess (Diane) Kufahl of Merrill; 10 beloved grandchildren, Jamie (Eric) Everts, Sarah Welch, James (Casey) Kufahl, Jeramy Kufahl, Angela Phelps, Cassandra Modrzeljewski, Melissa (Brent) Obernberger, Shane Kufahl, Katelyn (Reza) Sarvestani Benjamin (Lara) Kufahl; many great grandchildren; one sibling, Gale Moericke of Quinlan, Texas; sister-in-law, Geneva of Clintonville; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ed; her son, Guy Kufahl; two brothers, Gerald (Geraldine Brass) Moericke, John Moericke; three sisters, Jean (Elroy) Raduchel, Dawn (Norman) Yaeger, Orley (Edward) Sparks; Melvin Utecht; her grandson in-law, Jesse Welch.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, 402 N 3rd Avenue, Wausau, 54401. The Rev. Mary E. Zupansic will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be held at Town of Berlin Cemetery following the funeral service, with a luncheon held back at church following the committal.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First English Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting Joyce’s family with arrangements. Read the full obituary and sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.
