Joyce E. Johnsen

Joyce E. Johnsen, (74), of Rockton, IL passed away on November 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 18, 1948, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Elroy and Marian (Rewerts) Wicklund.

Joyce graduated from East High School, where she was a cheerleader and on the aquatic dance team. She also played the piano and sang in the First Free Church choir. She enjoyed gardening, canning, playing cards, cooking/baking, floral arranging, and bowling. She was an avid Coca Cola collector, and loved to hunt for her antique treasures. Joyce grew up vacationing in Wisconsin and her love for the Northwoods continued on with her own family. Joyce and John had many hobbies they enjoyed together such as antiquing, bowling, and gambling in Las Vegas. Joyce loved and worked in the medical field as a Surgical Assistant for nearly 35 years.

Joyce was a very involved mother; whether it was going to a sporting event, driving to practices, or cheering on her kids from the sidelines. After retirement she welcomed her new “job” as Grammy Care. She’d take care of grandchildren home sick from school, and that later turned into full on Grammy Care for their first years to keep them out of daycare. Her love for her children and grandchildren was unconditional.

Joyce was married to John Johnsen on May 7, 1977. They were married for 45 years. Ironically, they had known each other since the 6th grade. Their love for each other was so great, they couldn’t bear to be apart. Joyce left us to join him in Heaven 2 weeks after his passing.

Joyce is survived by her sons, Todd (Rachael) Reese and Chris (Kristin) Reese; daughters, Melissa (John) Hogan and Carrie (Jon) Priest; grandchildren, Jared, Ben, Matthew, Reagan, Noah, Emmery, Ava, Alivia, Lyla, Briea and Harrison; brothers Dennis (Carol) Wicklund, David (Mara) Wicklund; sister, Janet (late Jim) Easton and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband John.

Special thank you to the staff at Anam Care and Konnie Say from United Hospice.

A joint Celebration of Life for Joyce and John will be held at Prairie Street Brewing Company, 200 Prairie Street, Rockford, IL 61107 on January 7, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Memorials in Joyce’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association - https://alz.org. Share memories and online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.