Joyce Louise Twardokus, 70, of Burnett, Wisconsin, was called to her heavenly home on January 26, 2026 from natural causes.
Joyce was born on February 1,1955 to Albert and Ruth (nee Puterbaugh) Gilbert in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Joyce was a graduate from Horicon High School in 1974.
In the fall of 1972, Joyce started dating Carl A. Twardokus and went on to marry her high school sweetheart on May 24, 1975.
Joyce was the kind of woman who would do anything for anyone, without question or expectation of thanks. Her love was unconditional and boundless—poured out freely upon her family, whom she cherished with every beat of her heart, and upon her Lord, whose light she carried faithfully through every season of her life.
For many years, she walked hand in hand with her beloved husband, Carl, working side by side on their dairy farm. The rhythm of their days was one of devotion, laughter, and shared purpose—a testament to their enduring love and partnership. She found joy and peace in God’s creation, delighting in her gardens, her kitchen, and especially in making her treasured cheesecakes that brought smiles to all who tasted them. The biggest joys in her life were attending sports, music, and rodeo events to support her grandchildren along with her husband.
Her gift was service, and she gave it abundantly. Through youth ministry at St. Stephen’s Church—her spiritual home from childhood to her call to Heaven—she nurtured hearts, guided young souls, and lived the gospel through action. She coached cheerleading with kindness and encouragement, and her hands were always open to volunteer wherever there was need. In recent years, her compassion reached across oceans as she served with ministries supporting orphanages in the Congo through The River Church in Waupun, Wisconsin.
Her life was a reflection of grace—faith in motion, love without measure, and hope that never waned. Even in her passing, she continued to give, choosing to donate what she could, so that others might find healing and new life. Her final act of generosity was yet another echo of the way she lived—selflessly, lovingly, and steadfastly devoted to others.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Carl A. Twardokus; her children, Beth (Scott) Guenther, Carl J. (Kristin) Twardokus, Tracy (Dale) Hawkinson, and Shelly Ann (Mike) Laing; her grandchildren, Andrew (Courtney) Twardokus, Caleb, Joshua and Elisha Guenther, Bryce and Paityn Twardokus, Colten, Aiden, Landyn, Weston and Kenton Hawkinson, Luke and Hallie Laing; three great-grandchildren, Esther, Gabriel and Ruth Twardokus; father-in-law, Carl E. Twardokus; her sisters, Jean (Ross) Hoeft, Glenna Gilbert and Kelly (Greg) Bennett; nieces and nephews and many dear family members and friends who will carry her love within their hearts forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Joanne and Mary Ann Gilbert; her brother, Richard Gilbert; and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Twardokus.
A celebration of her beautiful life and steadfast faith will be at St Stephen Lutheran Church in Horicon on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. The funeral service will follow at the church at 12:00 noon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.
A special Thank you to Horicon EMS, Burnett First Responders, Waupun Memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Madison, and those that were passing by that assisted them in their time of need.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Horicon is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.
