Joyce Therese Dorn

Joyce Therese (Bettiga) Dorn joined her Lord and Savior on July 29, 2023 at the age of 93.  She was born in Norway, MI to George and Marie (Leonardelli) Bettiga on February 18, 1930, thirty minutes after her twin sister Lois.  After graduation from Norway High School, she traveled to Appleton, WI to help an aunt.  She liked Appleton and decided to stay, getting a job at St. Elizabeth Hospital.  A co-worker set her up on a blind date with Daniel Dorn and not long after, they were married.  Joyce was a housewife and worked at Simple Simon (Bestler) Bakery slicing bread for over 30 years.  Joyce loved to bake and we will remember her raisin pie and homemade cookies.  Her mom taught her how to make gnocchi and pasties - good food for Yoopers.  Joyce loved to shop at secondhand stores!  She never learned to drive and didn’t hesitate to walk all over town.  She lived in her house for 58 years and took the time to get to know her neighbors, making many wonderful friendships.  Joyce was a good friend to have in your corner, especially when life’s troubles came your way.  She was a member of Hope City (Cross Point) Church for 45 years.  Joyce was baptized in the Holy Ghost on May 23, 1976 and had a love affair with Jesus.  She would burst out to thank Him for the smallest little favor that came her way ~ Praise the Lord!  She was small in stature with a big heart.  Joyce lived a service-oriented, Evangelical life.  She raised 5 children, taught English as a second language to the Hmong Community, and led Sunday School at her Church.  She was married to Danny for 54 years before he passed away in 2005, then she got her beloved cat Buttons to keep her company.  

She is survived by her children, Wayne Dorn, Donna (Dan) Chevalier, Chris Dorn, Peg (Jim) Tillman, and Doug (Barb) Dorn; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Terry Bettiga; her sisters-in-law, Charlotte Koerner and Beatrice Otto; Buttons; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband; two sisters; two brothers; a daughter-in-law; numerous brothers and sisters-in-law; and a few nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held for Joyce on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 10 AM - 12 PM at Hope City Church, 1866 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54913 with a funeral service to follow at 12 PM.  Joyce will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park with Daniel.  Please check back for updates about service times.  

The family would like to thank the Care Team from ProMedica Hospice for their compassionate and quality care.

“Love you more!”