Joyce Elaine Oelke Obituary

We announce the death of Joyce Elaine Oelke of Merrill, Wisconsin, who passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 99. Joyce will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Ervin Aschbrenner and Gwendolyn Aschbrenner (Schmieden); her husband Wallace Oelke; her in-laws, Albert and Louise Oelke (Wilde); her siblings, Beverly Albrecht (Hank), Geraldine Wood (Kenneth), Joan Marquardt (Vernon), Dale Aschbrenner (Joyce), Donald Aschbrenner (Isabel), Gene Aschbrenner (Nina) and Fred Aschbrenner (Maureen); and her siblings-in-law, Ron Higgins, Harvey Oelke (Violet), Norman Oelke (Verna), Ralph Oelke, Myron Oelke, Evelyn Woelfle (William) and Marjorie Fromm (Herb Jr.).

She is survived by: her son Jerome; her daughter-in-law Janice Oelke; her grandchildren, Jordan Meidl (Matthew), Joel Oelke (Sharee) and Julia Oelke (Charlie Beyer); her great grandchild Nicole Hall; and her siblings, Marlene Thurs (Duke), Lois Higgins, Kenneth Aschbrenner, Allen Aschbrenner (Mary Ann), Larry Aschbrenner (Carol), Leon Aschbrenner (Kitty), Rodney Aschbrenner (Lorna), Warren Aschbrenner (Suzanne) and Roy Aschbrenner (Barbara). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation was held on Saturday, September 5th 2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church (302 County Rd NN, Marathon City, WI 54448). A funeral service was held on Saturday, September 5th 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Mission Circle and/or the Aspirus Hospice House.