Navigation

Obituary: Joyce Mary Vandertie

May 31, 1940 ~ October 18, 2021

Joyce Mary Vandertie, 81 of Brussels, died peacefully Monday morning, October 18, 2021, at her home farm with her family beside her.  Joyce was born to Frank and Laura (Bouchonville) DeKeyser on May 31, 1940.  She married Lloyd Vandertie on January 10, 1959, and they celebrated 55 wonderful years together before his passing in 2014. 

She was a beloved wife, mother and a hero to her four children who admired her for her constant strength, compassion, sincere love for her family, and important lessons she taught them in life about working hard and working together, being honest and respectful, and always trusting in the Lord. She was known by others as a sweet, gentle soul who loved everyone.  Throughout her life she was a faithful and prayerful servant of God. 

Joyce graduated from Casco High School in 1959 and enjoyed being a part of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA).  In 1958, she was recognized for selling 80 tickets for the annual Christmas Concert and bazaar sponsored by the FHA chapter.  She was awarded $5 as a prize for selling the most tickets.  She used her skills learned to make many wonderful homemade meals.  Family favorites included her homemade bread, potato salad, meatloaf, stuffing, rice pudding, gaulettes (Belgian waffles and milk), cherry cheese torte, Christmas cookies, and hot dishes.  She liked gardening and the fruits of her labor were enjoyed year-round because of her canned peaches, beets, beans, pickles, tomato juice and more. No one ever left the farmhouse hungry!

She always looked forward to making Belgian pies.  Lots of pies!  While she made smaller batches as the years went by, it was not uncommon for Joyce to make over 200 Belgian pies in one day.  Her children were especially proud of mom when she was awarded the best tasting Belgian pie during a festival held at the Sugar Mountain Farm Market in Brussels.

Joyce played accordion, often sharing her love of music with others during baby and wedding showers and birthday parties.  In addition, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo, visiting the family cabin, watching Polka, Polka, Polka and Packer games, and attending events for her grandchildren. During her lifetime Joyce’s “grand-dogs”, Eli and Riley, provided hours of entertainment and companionship.  Joyce was especially proud of her family and treasured the time spent together.  Every visit ended with a hug, kiss, “I love you” and “Have a good day tomorrow.”

In addition to dairy farming with the family nearly her entire life, she also worked very hard out of the home.  She was most proud of working as a welder on the night shift at Wire Tech in Sturgeon Bay for 17 ½ years.  She drove bus for Southern Door County School District, worked at the Algoma Flynet, East Shore Industries, Meleddy Cherry Orchard and Door to Door Transportation.  Joyce and her husband also owned and operated Vandertie’s Blue Room in Brussels (Rourer’s Grand Slam) in the late 1970’s.

For several years, Joyce provided transportation for her dear friend and neighbor, Mildred Deprey to the senior center meal site, sharing in lunch, conversation and spending time playing cards. It was during this time Joyce met a dear friend, Jim Linzmeier. Joyce and Jim continued to enjoy each other’s company since 2015.

Joyce is survived by her four children, a daughter Christine (Brian) Paplham, Kewaunee; sons Christopher (Sharon Landweher) Vandertie, Curt (Sarah) Vandertie, and Cory (Stephanie) Vandertie, all of Brussels. Grandchildren: Jason (Jessica) Thor, Hunter Paplham (fiancé Haley Salzsieder), Dennis Vandertie, Crystal Vandertie (Paul Robertoy), Landon & Lillian Vandertie, Danny Vandertie, Baby Vandertie (arriving soon); Great Grandchildren: Kayla & Kimberly Robertoy, Chloe and Kyle Taylor, Hayden & Scarlett Thor, and Blake Maccoux.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Betty DeKeyser-Hill and Rose Mae Vandertie; nieces and nephews, Judy Olson, Jane Jorgenson, Dean Vandertie, Jerry, Joe and John DeKeyser; special friend and companion, Jim Linzmeier; dear family friends, Ellen Mommaerts and Jim Vandertie. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Myron DeKeyser, brother-in-law, Patrick Vandertie, and nephew, Gary Vandertie.

Family and friends may call at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay on Thursday, October 21 from 3:00-8:00pm with a parish wake service at 7:00pm.  Visitation will continue on Friday, October 22 at St. Francis/St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brussels beginning at 10:00am with a mass of Christian burial at 11:00am.

The family wishes to thank the Brussels community and extended family and friends for their continuous prayers and kind words of support.  Mom loved you all!

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in memory of Joyce is being established.