Joyce Evelyn (Hill) Messerschmidt, age [88], passed away at home on August 30, 2026.

Joyce was born on June 1, 1938, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to the late Charles and Ruth (Larson) Hill. She graduated from Merrill Senior High School with the Class of 1956. On October 20, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald David Messerschmidt, in Merrill. Together they shared a loving marriage until Ron's passing in 2013. In 1959, they made their home in the Racine County area, where they raised their family.

Joyce was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Gateway Technical College in 1983 while continuing her career. In December 1999, she retired after 38 years as a journeyman bookbinder at Western Printing (Golden Books), where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment.

Faith was an important part of Joyce's life. She was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Sturtevant, where she faithfully served on the Altar Care Committee, participated in the Prayer Chain ministry, and volunteered as an usher. She found great joy in serving her church family and living out her faith through acts of kindness and service.

Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her son, Keith Messerschmidt of Green Valley, Arizona; her daughter, Cathy (Michael) Christman of Sturtevant, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Rebecca Bruck of Seattle, Washington, and Brittany (Steven) Woolf of Sturtevant, Wisconsin; her great-granddaughter, Venice Bruck; her brother, David Hill of Phoenix, Arizona; and her special niece, Sue Kunkel of Merrill, Wisconsin. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her beloved husband, Ronald, and her son, Gary Messerschmidt, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; her brothers, Robert and Carl Hill; her sisters, Ruth, Doris, Eleanor, and June; her former daughter-in-law, Susan Messerschmidt; her brothers-in-law, Henry "Hank" Heilbron, Leo Fehlberg, Wilbert Lindstrom, Roy Allen Messerschmidt (in infancy), Roger Messerschmidt, Raymond "Jim" Hill, Dennis Kluck, Michael Bernhardt, and Edward Hermanson; and her sisters-in-law, Marion Hill, Doris Bernhardt, Bonnie Hill, Darlene Hill, Jane Hill, and Lorie Hermanson.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 8500 Durand Avenue, Sturtevant, Wisconsin, on September 5, 2026 at 10:00am. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joyce's honor have been suggested to Faith Lutheran Church or Hospice Alliance.

Joyce's family will remember her for her unwavering faith, quiet strength, steadfast devotion to her family, and the love she shared with those around her. Her legacy of kindness, perseverance, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.