M. Joyce Bannister

Joyce Bannister
May 9, 1926 – April 7, 2026

Joyce Bannister, born on Mother's Day in 1926, lived a beautiful and faithful life of 99 years, passing peacefully on April 7, 2026, just 31 days shy of her 100th birthday.

She was the loving wife of the late Roy Bannister, who preceded her in death on July 28, 2007. Together, they built a life and legacy that would have marked 76 years of marriage, a testament to commitment, faith, and enduring love.

Joyce was a devoted mother to Victoria, Kathy (Dan Krueger), Steve (Nancy), Tim (Cindy), Tom (Ann), and was preceded in death by her daughters Julie (Bob Albertson) and Joanne (Greg Zahara). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Christine (Aaron), Jeff (Angela), Emily (Andrew Karnes), Jonathon (Stephanie), Nathan (Lindsay), Daniel, Theresa (Jeremy Gutsch), Natalie (Tony Kurilla), and Danielle. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Chloe, Eagan, Jayden, Charlotte, Alayna, Kyli, Wyatt, Waylon, Weston, and Matteo.                 

Her extended family is acknowledged as well. 

Joyce dedicated her life to her family. A homemaker in title, but in truth, she was so much more. She was the steady rock of her family, a woman whose noble character shined brightly through every season of life. She raised seven children with strength, discipline, and deep love, managing a full home with quiet excellence, resilience, and grace.

Her children remember her as a hard worker, a woman who kept everything moving, who handled life with steadiness and strength. She led calmly and solidly, creating a home that influenced not only her own family and extended family, but many in the neighborhood and extended community.

Her grandchildren knew her as a source of wisdom, unconditional love, and unwavering presence. She became a friend as they grew, someone who listened, guided, and loved without fail. Time spent with her was simple and meaningful. Memories were made at her home in Rice Lake along the Red Cedar River, around bonfires, fishing, floating down the river, and gathering for home cooked meals made with care.

She greeted her grandchildren with their favorites, banana bread, molasses cookies, and warm meals from scratch. There was always something baking, always a place at the table, and always time for a conversation with a card game. One of her simple truths was that a hot cup of tea could fix just about anything.

Her home was a place of life lessons. Whether it was learning responsibility through chores done "quick like a bunny," or understanding the value of hard work, forgiveness, and doing the right thing, Granny B taught by example. She showed her family what it meant to put others before yourself, to forgive again and again, and to choose love in action.

To her great-grandchildren, she was a strong and loving presence, both gentle and fiercely protective of those she loved.

Joyce lived a life that reflected her faith. She was a quiet, steady prayer warrior, a woman who did not seek attention but whose life spoke loudly. Her faith was her foundation, and it carried her through every season. As written in Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength," and that strength was evident in the way she lived, loved, and endured.

She found joy in the simple things, gardening, reading, cooking, crafting, and making cards. She loved hosting family and friends, creating a space where people felt welcomed and cared for. She also gave her time generously through volunteer work with the Bloodmobile, a health food store co-op, and at St. Francis Convent in Rice Lake, where she spent meaningful time with the Sisters who went on to become beloved friends.

Joyce's life reminds us that true success is not found in possessions, titles, or recognition, but in the way you love, the way you serve, and the legacy you leave behind in people.

Her family was her greatest accomplishment, and she was, and always will be, the rock of that family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Kirkland Crossing, the dedicated team at Brighton Hospice, and especially Lynnthese from Right At Home, who was not only a caregiver, but became a trusted companion and dear friend.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Yonke Funeral Home, 205 Prospect Avenue, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m.

An additional service will be held on June 19th, 2026 at 2pm in Spooner, WI at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial where both Joyce and Roy Bannister will be laid to their final resting place together. The family welcomes you to join them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce's honor to Wisconsin Right to Life: https://wisconsinrighttolife.org/donate/#1645732183384-922dd43e-bfa6

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