Joyce D. Boyer's Obituary
Joyce Dean (Darrah) Boyer, age 85, of Waupaca, WI, devoted wife, mother, sister, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and cherished memories.
Joyce was born on September 6, 1941, in Chicago IL, the third child to Paul M and Adele V (Wendt) Darrah. Joyce met her beloved James W “Jim” Boyer at South Shore High School in Chicago. In 1960, two years after graduation, they married. During their early marriage they lived in Chicago where Jim worked as a plumber. In 1961, their daughter Deborah was born, followed by their son Robert in 1962, and Thomas completed their family in 1963. In 1967, Jim and Joyce started their next life adventure by moving to Waupaca, WI, where Jim had vacationed as a child at his Grandmother’s cottage on Dake Lake on Waupaca’s beautiful Chain O Lakes.
Life in Waupaca was completely different from Chicago. Neighbors on East Clark Street warmly welcomed the young family and by the time the boxes were unpacked, they had friends. Jim and Joyce joined many civic groups, including the Waupaca Jaycees. It was there they met other newcomers to the area, and these people became some of their closest friends until the end. Joyce arranged block parties for everyone on East Clark Street, cementing friendships that became more like family than friends.
As Jim continued his plumbing business, Joyce decided to go to work. First at WDUX as a copywriter, then Waupaca Country Club as their bookkeeper, and she ended her working career as a bookkeeper at Bethany Nursing Home. It was during this time that Jim (who was serving on Waupaca's City Council) decided to run for Mayor and won. Joyce became Waupaca’s First Lady and loved every minute. Joyce wrote speeches, attended meetings, and spent time with Jim on his political endeavor. Their daughter Deborah served on Council with Jim. During that time, Jim was also on the Waupaca County Board. When Jim passed away in 2012, Joyce was asked to finish her husband’s term on the County Board. Surprisingly she enjoyed it and it helped her grieve. Joyce was deeply committed to her community and the people she served. Through her involvement in both city and county boards, she worked tirelessly to make a positive impact, earning the respect and appreciation of those who served alongside her. After finishing Jim’s term, she decided to try two more years. Two years turned into nine years, and one day she decided it was time to retire from politics.
Jim and Joyce shared a passion for travel. They spent their Honeymoon in Las Vegas and eventually spent months of their retirement enjoying the beautiful deserts and mountains in Nevada. They took their “big” trip traveling around the United States and they found interesting people and activities along the way. Their loving partnership lasted 52 years, ending when Jim passed away. Joyce cherished their stories and memories throughout the rest of her life.
Joyce’s greatest love, (besides her husband), was being a proud and loving mother to their three children and a spoiling grandmother to their five amazing grandchildren. Joyce's care, guidance, and steady presence helped shape their lives in countless, meaningful ways. She was their biggest cheerleader and encouraged their life choices in every step.
Joyce is survived by her beloved children, their spouses, and grandchildren: Deborah D (Steven) Fenske, Robert W (Jan) Boyer and their children, Brett W (Alyssa) Boyer, Christian R Boyer, and Alyssa R (fiancé Ryan Ace) Boyer, and Thomas B (Gina) Boyer and their children Allison G Boyer and Daniel J Boyer.
Joyce is also survived by her sisters: Joan (Darrah) Myers, Susan (Darrah) Carroll, Sharon (Darrah) Coogan, her sisters-in-law: Maribeth Darrah, Janine Darrah, Barbara (Boyer) Avgerinos, and Marcia Boyer, her brothers-in-law, Michael Coogan and Theodore Boyer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband James, her parents Paul and Adele Darrah, her in-laws Frank and Irene Boyer, brothers John “Jack” Darrah and James Darrah, sister-in-law Francine Darrah, brothers-in-law Richard Myers, John Carroll, and Doug Avgerinos, and nephew David Myers.
Jim and Joyce will always be remembered at Boyer Park, Harrison Street in Waupaca. Boyer Park was named in Honor of Jim and Joyce Boyer for their dedication and commitment to the citizens of the City of Waupaca.
Joyce will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to others, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends. Joyce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:30 am at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. Visitation will be from 9 - 11:30 am with the funeral starting at 11:30 am. A luncheon will be provided immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be sent to numerous organizations in Waupaca, as well as the National Alzheimer's Association and Bethany Nursing Home in Waupaca.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Bethany’s Assisted Living/Memory Care, Bethany’s Dementia Unit, and the ThedaCare Hospice staff for their care and love, and for making Joyce’s transition peaceful. These beautiful souls are angels sent directly from Heaven.
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