Joyce Alice Thormeier

Joyce Alice Thormeier of Saginaw, Michigan

Loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother left us suddenly on January 16, 2021, at age 94, for a place of peace and constant joy, reuniting with beloved family members and dear friends who preceded her there. Joyce was born on June 29, 1926, the oldest of five children given to the late Sidney and Flora (Witt) LaBrake. She was a life-long resident of Saginaw, MI and part-time Arizona snowbird later in life.

Joyce graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1944 where she excelled in secretarial and stenography classes which served her well in her future working career. Her first job was a secretarial position at the Saginaw YMCA from 1944 to 1950. During her employment at the YMCA she met a young World War II veteran who loved to swim and managed to steal her heart. That young man became the love of her life, and as she often stated, her "one and only". She became Mrs. Grant Thormeier when they married on November 1, 1947. Joyce and Grant enjoyed 59 blessed years of marriage, until his passing on January 10, 2007. During their marriage they raised three boys, which she often referred to as "my
three sons".

Joyce was also employed as an Administrative Secretary with the Saginaw Police Department for 19 years after being a stay-at-home mom for 18 years. Her ability to take short-hand was highly valued by the various Chiefs of Police she served under. She loved playing games and cards and was a member of two "500" card clubs, one that met and played for more than 50 years. She enjoyed the love of family, and the joy of friendship, as well as travel, trips to the casino, winters in Arizona, and Tigers baseball. She was also a great baker and cook, apple pies and cookies her specialties. Grandma's strawberry jam was legendary in the Thormeier family as well.

Joyce was an avid knitter and always had a crochet project in her lap. Many of her afghans reside in numerous homes throughout the country. She also got great enjoyment attending the many and various sporting events in which her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participated. She was always their number one fan. Joyce was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid group.

Surviving are her three sons and their wives, Craig and Vicki Thormeier of Mesa AZ, Ross and Penny Thormeier, and Gary and Kerry Beth Thormeier, both of Saginaw, MI; ten grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. Her boundless love, joy of family, and gift of friendship will be truly missed.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 808 Weiss Street. Rev. Michael Korte will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service ordinance, indoor capacity is limited, masks are required, and social distancing is encouraged. A celebration of Joyce's life will take place at a date to be determined when crowds can once again gather safely. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Cardinal Hospice of Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.