Joyce Ann Emmons

Racine – Joyce A. Emmons, 87, received the promise of eternal life on Friday, September 6, 2013.  She was a lifelong resident of Racine.  Joyce was born on February 12, 1926, daughter of the late Joseph and Christine (nee: Fredelake) Klinkhammer.

Joyce was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul Joseph Erwin Emmons, on January 28, 1950, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Racine.  Paul preceded her in death on March 28, 2012.

Joyce is a graduate of Park High School.  She worked as an aide for over 14 years at St. Mary’s Hospital retiring in 1982.  Joyce is a lifelong member of St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church (formerly Holy Name) and a former member of the Holy Name Christian Mothers.  She participated in activities with the JMBA Retirees.  Joyce enjoyed trips to casinos and belonged to the High Rollers club.  She loved to travel and took many monumental trips to such destinations as Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii just to name a few.  Joyce proudly was a breast cancer survivor of 38 years.  She cherished her family and treasured all of the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Joyce will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Christine Palmer, Patricia (Keith) Liertz, Geralyn (Shane) Harms, Katie (John) Moreno; sons, Gary (Bonnie) Emmons, Clay Emmons, Joe (Linda) Emmons, Paul (Jodi) Emmons, Jim Emmons; daughter-in-law, Julie Emmons; grandchildren, Megan (Dan), Emily, Chad (Christine), Keith (Molly), Todd (Kelly), Lindsey, Samantha, Lucas, Cody, Shana, Ryce-Ann, Kevin, Brooke, Ben, Brynn, Nicole, Cassandra; great-grandchildren, Owen, Mason; sister, Betty (Stan) Wielgat; sisters-in-law, Arline Klinkhammer, Flo Klinkhammer, Doris Emmons, Jackie Byrne; and other relatives  and friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce is preceded in death by her infant son, Michael; son-in-law, Robert Palmer; brothers, Al (Gert) Klinkhammer, Norbert Klinkhammer, Thomas Klinkhammer; brothers-in-law, Ben Emmons, Robert Byrne; and sister-in-law, Betty Emmons.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Avenue, with Rev. Ronald J. Gramza officiating.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Cremation will follow according to Joyce’s wishes.  Memorials have been suggested to St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church or to your favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Lisa, Gina, Carrie, Marilyn, and Maggie, for the love and care that they gave to Joyce during her time of illness.