Wiesner, Joyce Marie (nee Joggerst)

Born:  December 8. 1933 Died:  September 28, 2024

Joyce Marie Wiesner (nee Joggerst) was born on Friday, December 8, 1933 to Leonard Joggerst and Luella Joggerst (nee Rigdon) of St. Genevieve, Missouri.  She was the firstborn child of Leonard and Luellla, and remained their only child until her brother Terry came along fourteen years later. Shortly after her birth, Joyce was baptized at St. Philip and James Catholic Church of St. Genevieve.

Joyce spent her first two years of life on the family farm, until her parents moved to St. Louis, Missouri.  As a young woman (19 years old) she met the love of her life, David Emil Wiesner.  He was a new recruit in the United States Marine Corp.  The couple met on a blind date, being introduced by their good friends.  David and Joyce were married on Saturday, October 17, 1953 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of St. Louis, Missouri and celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary last October!  Just prior to their wedding, and unknown to David, Joyce underwent instruction in the Lutheran faith.  She was confirmed that year at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, of St. Louis, Missouri.  Her confirmation verse was Revelation 2: 10 – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”  These words would end up taking on a prophetic significance for Joyce as her last days upon the earth were moments of suffering and tribulation . . . challenging her faith and calling upon her to be faithful.

Throughout her adult life, Joyce’s love for her Lord was expressed in various and assorted ways.  The salvation of her granddaughters was especially important to her, and she spoke with each of them individually about their faith in God, and the salvation He provided for them through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Joyce gave money and tracts to people she met at stoplights (who were seeking assistance) and would visit with them to learn about their struggles.  She was active in her church, not only in worship and attending Bible class; but serving as a Sunday School teacher, adult Bible Class leader, delivering worship tapes to shut-in members, volunteering at the church office, coordinating the collection of food and clothing for those in need, greeting people as they arrived for worship, serving on the prayer team ministry, visiting people in nursing homes and the hospital, and assisting with church dinners.

Joyce was a very social person.  She loved to visit with others, play games, and square dance.  She worked as a cashier at Kroger’s grocery store; and later in life, as a secretary at KFUO radio station.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 8:06 am our gracious Lord called Joyce out of this life to receive the crown of life that He had prepared for her.  Joyce died at Avalon Memory Care of South County, St. Louis.  She was 90 years, 9 months and  20 days old.

Joyce was preceded in death by her father Leonard Joggerst, her mother Luella Joggerst (nee Rigdon), her father-in-law Dan Wiesner, her mother-in-law Viola Wiesner (nee Broeg), her brother-in-law Daniel Wiesner, her husband Rev. Dr. David E. Wiesner, and her son-in-law Michael Ettel.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Debra Ettel, her son Rev. Mark D. Wiesner, her daughter-in-law Patricia Wiesner (nee Finger), her granddaughter Andrea Wiesner, her granddaughter SarahBeth Barto (nee Wiesner) and her husband Rev. Gregory Barto, her great-grandson Harrison Barto, and her great-grandson Crosby Barto, her brother Terry Joggerst and her sister-in-law Di Joggerst (nee Feldmeier).

Public visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2^nd from 4:00-7:00 pm at Kutis Funeral Home (5255 Lemay Ferry Road; St. Louis, Missouri).  A private memorial service will be held for the family, with burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her remembrance to Signal Hill Lutheran Church (8100 West Main Street; Belleville, Illinois  62223) –  Church office: (618) 397-1407.