Joyce L. Kasemodel

Joyce L. Kasemodel, age 89, of Escanaba, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.  Joyce was born November 6, 1929 to Emil and Edith Kallio.  She was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, volunteering and participating in many ways throughout the years. 

Joyce Kasemodel worked at her mother and dad’s restaurants in Escanaba; Escanaba’s first drive-in restaurant, Kallio’s Café, Kallio’s Coney Island, and Kallio’s Family Restaurant - now called the Family Inn. She also worked at the Fair Store. Joyce served as a dental assistant and receptionist for Dr. Knudsen. She also worked as Secretary and Financial Secretary for the Immanuel Lutheran Church, and was employed at the City of Escanaba Electric Department as secretary until her retirement.

Joyce Kasemodel believed in the Lord with all her being. She enjoyed worshipping at Immanuel, and loved to read, loved singing, and playing cards with her friends. Since 1968, Joyce was the Weight Recorder for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Joyce loved and enjoyed her daughters and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely. She took pleasure in being a part of local choirs and Players de Noc.

Joyce Kasemodel graduated from Escanaba High School in 1947, attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and attended classes at Bay de Noc Community College.  She married Herbert Johnson in 1948, and they had four lovely daughters. Herb and Joyce divorced in 1963. She then married Albert (Bert) Olson in 1966. Bert passed away, in 1982. Joyce married Robert (Bob) Kasemodel in 1987, and he survives her.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Kasemodel; daughters, Sheila (Barry) Ness of Escanaba, Donna (William) DeBoard of Bristol, Va., Barbara Johnson of Maple Grove, Minn., and Linda (Dave) Mason of Escanaba; stepchildren, Rhonda (Michael) Gould of Walla Walla, Wash., and Craig (Diane) Kasemodel of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, Christopher DeBoard, Eric (Tracy) Mason, Paul, Scott, Jeremy (Tosha) Mason, Stephen, Jason, Alexzandria and Cheyenne Ness; step-grandchildren, Bethany Puntney, Amy and Chad Ness, Lauren Martin, Carl DeBoard, Laura Brickey and Doreen Bernier; great-grandchildren, Hunter, William, Brady, Rylee, Sailor Lee, Presley, Gunner and Fallon Mason, Brooke Bernier, Bella and Kane Ness, and Tristan Goldsmidt; and great-great-grandchild, Addilyn Martin. Joyce is also survived by her niece, Esther Harkey; her sisters-in-law, Carol Sels and Lucille Gangestad; brother-in-law, Gene (Marge) Kasemodel; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. Also surviving are many very close friends, Connie, Lori, Betty, Cindy, and Diane, including my life-saver, Jan Wetterhahn, Harmony Bible Study group, church friends, and neighbors, too. Please forgive if Joyce we did not include your name.

Preceding her in death was her mother and father; her husbands, Herbert Johnson and Albert (Bert) Olson; half-brothers, Burtis Webber, Glenn, and Floyd Kallio; half-sisters, Irene Wedell, Viola Peterson, Anna Maki, Cora Johnson, and Emily Workentine; step-grandchild, Darren Mason; brothers-in-law Marvin, Delmar, and Alvin Kasemodel; sisters-in-law, Joyce Espitee, Ida Kallio, Marvella Beck, and Berneice Falcosky; and Joyce’s best friend and sister-in-law, Joyce Johnson Reidell.

From Joyce: “Special thanks and love go to my daughters, grandsons, stepchildren, the Bishop Noa Home and Christian Park Village aides and nurses, and a big, big thank you to the loyal daily aides!
Now that I have left you, don’t weep for me.  Just pass the coffee pot around and remember how our laughing pleased you.  Look at one another, smiling, and don’t forget a hug.  Play the songs we all loved best and dance one time for me.  Have smiles and the joy that comes from knowing one more loved one is at peace.  When you are ready, I’ll be there, waiting for you.  But, please – take your time.”

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 600 South Lincoln Road, Escanaba. Funeral services, singing, and rejoicing Joyce’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, with Rev. Dennis Meyette officiating. A happy fellowship will follow in the church fellowship hall. Entombment will take place in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the family at 416 South 22nd Street, Escanaba, or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. 

From Joyce:
            “Thanks to all of you for your love, your laughter, the time you 
            spent with me and for your prayers.  Special thanks to the good 
            Lord for a wonderful, love-filled, exciting, full, and happy life.  It 
            really has been great!  Thank you.”

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