Obituary of Joyce Mae Wincek

Wincek Joyce Mae, 96 years old when the Lord called her home on 6-28-2024.

She was born 11-22-1927 to Roy and Ruth Berg of Mpls, MN. Joyce was the oldest of 4 children.

She is survived by daughters: Paulette Ellis ( Dennis), Pam Juaire, Kimberlee Landecker (David), Sister Joann Siegrist of Zimmerman, MN and Sister Karen Larson of New Brighton, MN.

Proceeded in death by Husband Paul Wincek, Daughter Nancy Winkels, Tony Mele (significant other), Brother Leroy Berg, Brother-in-law Dale Siegrist, Brother-in-law Roger Larson, Nephew Terry Siegrist and Nephew Tyrone Larson.

While in 9th grade, Joyce met Paul Wincek and the two fell in love at age 16 and Joyce accepted an engagement ring from Paul. When WWII began, Paul at age 17 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Joyce waited for his return and they were married May 25, 1946. Joyce and Paul had four daughters: Nancy Ann, Paulette Marie, Pamela Joyce and Kimberlee Mae. They were blessed with 12 grand-children: (Kerry (Ray), Jeremy (Kailyn), Veronica, Monica (Jesse), Amy (Aaron), Sara (Jason), Joshua (Lydia), Kati (Maurice), Emily (Andy), Molly (Ryan), Tony (Bridget), Luke (Bailey). Over the years they were again blessed with 26 great-grandchildren: Grace, Ruby, Mitchell, Mason, Colton, Dylan, Bryce, Sage, Zeke, Jordyn, Cashus, River, Stella, Cal, Willie, Elijah, Dorian, Vincent, Everest, Sequoia, Caden, Cora, Madeline, Levi, Berkeley & Mack.

Joyce so loved her family and throughout those hectic years she enjoyed being a Campfire Girls Leader and traveling to Gun Lake in Aitkin, MN. where Paul built their lake home. Joyce had many occupations: bakery clerk, drug store clerk, grocery clerk, hardware clerk and retired from State Farm Insurance Company as a salesperson. Joyce and Paul retired and spent winters in Texas and summers at Gun Lake. Paul’s health began to deteriorate and after 59 years of marriage Paul passed away in 2005.

During Joyce’s high school years she became friends with Tony Mele. They remained in touch throughout the years. Tony’s wife passed away (1989) and in 2006 Tony reached out to Joyce to visit her. Their friendship blossomed into a deep love for each other and they became inseparable companions. Joyce and Tony traveled to many places to include a fabulous trip to Italy in 2009.

As the years passed it was apparent Joyce needed special care and became a resident at St. Teresa Care Center in New Hope, MN. Tony returned to Mesa, Arizona, but would visit Joyce yearly. Guardian Angels in Elk River had an opening and Joyce found her home. She was dearly loved by many and received excellent care. Joyce was a devoted Catholic Christian having received all seven sacraments before the Lord called her home. The family would like to thank all Joyce’s friends, staff at Guardian Angels, Triniti Hospice Care staff and all those that touched her life in so many ways. Joyce was truly blessed and surrounded in love her entire life.

Funeral Mass July 19, 2024 at The Church of the Epiphany, 1900 111th Ave NW Coon Rapids, MN. at 10:30 am. Visitation one hour prior. Luncheon to follow. Private family burial. Memorials preferred to Elk River Guardian Angels Care Center.