Joyce Elaine Wadel

Joyce Elaine Wadel, age 95, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, and in her final days, she was surrounded and comforted by those she loved. She was born on August 2, 1930, in Shiocton, daughter of the late Walter and Verona (Wagner) Pingel.

Joyce married Floyd Wadel on May 27, 1950, and together celebrated over 68 years of marriage before Floyd’s passing in 2018. Joyce worked as a homemaker, raising her two children but in later years had her own paint and wallpaper business, a job she loved and was very good at. She and Floyd retired in 1990 and purchased a home on ten acres in the woods near Wautoma. Joyce always said this was her favorite place to live and some of the best years of her life. The grandchildren always told Grandma that the years in Wautoma remain among their best childhood memories. Joyce loved the outdoors, flowers, and fishing with Floyd especially for salmon and lake trout on Lake Michigan and walleyes on the Wolf River. She also enjoyed music, going to casinos and a nice glass of Pinot Grigio. Joyce had an incredibly positive outlook on life and always looked on the sunny side. Her sweetness, kindness and smile will be missed dearly by all who loved her.

Joyce is survived by her son, Dave (Terry) Wadel and her daughter, Susan (Robb Waugus) Wadel; grandchildren: Chris (Amy) Wadel, Brett Wadel, Allyson (Kyle) Hofacker and Drew (Sam Vosters) Wadel; great-grandchildren: Ava, Christian, Adrian and Aubrie Wadel and Liam, Kade and Gabe Hofacker; her sister Lois Errington and sister-in-law Verla Pingel, many nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Floyd, her parents, brother Roy Pingel, brother-in-law Jim Errington, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Earl and Lucille Wadel.

The family wants to thank The Heritage and all the staff for their exceptional care of Mom for the last 3 years. Mom consistently said “What the heck do I need? They do everything for me!” which says volumes coming from an independent woman like Joyce. Thank you to Ascension/St. Elizabeth Hospital and Emergency Room Ashley RN, we will never forget the care you gave Mom when it was most needed. We want to thank the amazing Hospice team with Compassus, especially Lisa, Luke, and Liz, who made all things happen and provided such compassion and much needed support during Mom’s final days. The last 2+ years Mom has been lovingly cared for by Rebecca Philpot APNP and her team at Senior Care Services/Theda Care. Becky, we are so grateful for all you did for Mom and our family. Your genuine kindness and concern for Mom will never be forgotten.

A private family service will be held and Joyce will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.