Joseph Daniel "Danny" Joyce

Joseph Daniel "Danny" Joyce, age 88, of Lancaster, WI, formerly of Bloomington, WI, died on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Orchard Manor in Lancaster. He was born August 6, 1932, into the family of Jack and Anna (Dressler) Joyce, who farmed between Bloomington and Lancaster. Besides an older sister, Danny had 8 younger siblings, and that raucous and loving household supplied his descendents and friends with innumerable stories and much laughter. As an adult, Danny farmed outside of Bloomington until retiring in 1997, and also worked at the John Deere plant in Dubuque, Iowa for a number of years. He married Gwetholyn Wood in 1951, and they had 6 children. He married Donna Hyer in 1977, with 1 child born of this union. In 1989, he married Florentine Abing, his soul mate, who preceded him in death in 2010. Their combined families consisted of 17 children, a boon to the tax rolls. For being a man of few words, Danny was very sociable. If he was not at home, he could be found playing Euchre somewhere, though most often, in his later years, at Zippy's in Lancaster. Danny also enjoyed shooting pool in leagues or simply for fun. He did not like to lose. But Danny’s favorite pastime was fishing. After his marriage to Florentine, Danny was finally able to stay right on the River for long periods of time in an RV. "Avid" does not begin to describe how he approached the sport; his children's first paternal instructions included how to use a bamboo fishing pole. Despite the numerous entanglements in the trees, Danny always applied patience, guidance, and a fresh worm. He was the Supplier - and Fryer - of fish at every family gathering. His Christmas gifts of 5 pounds of Bluegill will be greatly missed.
Danny is survived by his children: Rachael Parks, Frances Joyce, Angela (Kim Edson) Joyce, Thomas Joyce, and Jerry Joyce; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 9 siblings: Mary Yager, John (Amelda) Joyce, Cecilia (Stan) Ellis, Kathy (Carl) Timmerman, Patricia Hampton, Therese (Ron) Evans, Beth (Mark Patterson) Joyce, Mark (Laura Bossert) Joyce, and Joanne Joyce; and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Florentine, and his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his sons, Daniel, Jr and David; a brother, Jerome; and brothers-in-law: Joe Yager and Pat Hampton.
A gathering of family and friends in celebration of his life will be held when it is safe to get together, and when a new supplier of Bluegill has been found. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to local food banks or a charity of one's choice. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster is assisting the family.