Joyce M. Ebben, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. She was born on January 26, 1939, in Combined Locks, to the late Albert and Marie (Van Elzen) Van Stralen. Joyce attended Kimberly High School graduating in 1957. She met James “Jim” Ebben at a street dance and the two married at St Paul Catholic Parish on May 19, 1959. Jim was truly the love of her life-a fact which has been documented in Joyces’ journal from many years ago. Joyce worked for many years in various food service jobs-she just enjoyed food and serving it to others.

Joyce was an avid sports fan-especially the NFL! She loved the Chicago Bears and Black Hawks (much to the chagrin of her NE Wisconsin family). She was also a Tom Brady superfan. And let’s talk about Baseball, Joyce loved to watch the Yankees! Joyce enjoyed listening to Neil Diamond and attended many of his concerts with various members of her family through the years. In addition, she enjoyed going to movies with her sister Marilyn. Joyce also found enjoyment in an occasional trip to a casino.

Joyce is survived by her daughters: Linda (Rusty) Wege, Lea Ann (Tim Amerson) Hietpas, Lisa Ebben; 4 grandchildren: Nikki, Jake, Kaitlin and Ben as well as 5 great grandchildren, her brother Kenneth (Marge) Van Stralen, as well as other relatives and friends. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents and her five siblings: Raymond, Jim, Alice, Rita, Marilyn and Gloria.

Joyce wanted nothing more than to have her family celebrate her life privately. To that end, be sure to watch your favorite NFL game and think of Joyce.