Joyce Kahl

Joyce Arlene Kahl (nee Page), 92, of Ripon, Wisconsin, went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born September 21, 1924 in Ripon, WI to Henry C. and Anna L. Page (nee Witt), the fourteenth of fifteen children. After graduating from Ripon High School in 1942, she went on to work at Speed Queen in service to her country during World War II.

On June 8, 1946 Joyce married the love of her life, Joseph D. Kahl, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Ripon. They spent their early years of marriage raising six daughters in Ripon until 1973, subsequently moving to Oconomowoc and later residing in Beaver Dam and Lohrville. In addition to raising their beautiful daughters, Joyce and Joe found great joy traveling around the country and snow-birding in Florida. After her husband passed away, she returned to Ripon.

Joyce gave her life to Jesus as a young girl and was a confirmed and active member of Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon. Her ministries included teaching Sunday school, participating in youth fellowship, and belonging to the United Methodist Women and Priscilla Circle. She sang in the choir and played piano for many church events. Joyce’s God-given passion for service led her to found the Wonderful Opportunities for Widows (WOW) for her church community. Along with family gatherings, Joyce enjoyed music, reading, and gardening. Her life as a prayer warrior defined her.

Survivors include her six daughters: Rochelle (Bob) Chikowski of Berlin, WI, Rita (Gregory) Bowman of Chancellor, AL, Rhonda (Don) Hiler of Maple Lake, MN, Rae (Dr. Kent) Partain of Appleton, WI, Ruth Mary (Dennis) Weaver of Simpsonville, KY, and Renee Kahl of Nixa, MO. She has eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren: Tanya (Dr. Steve) Williams and their children Sam, Erin, Joey and Sarah Grace of Neosho, MO, Sara (Michael) Splittgaber and their children Kelsey, Katie and Kory of Ripon, WI, Jay Chikowski and his children Jordon, Taylor and Jacob of Gilbert, AZ, Raechel (Howard) Bailey and their children Xavier, Arayah, Azariah and Elliyanah of Eden Prairie, MN, Sophia (Corey) Wright and their son Kyan of Minnetonka, MN, Adam (Emily) Hiler and their daughter Marcella of Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Paige) Partain of Boston, MA, and Laura Partain of Bloomington, IN. Other survivors include her many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, eight sisters, and an infant son Keith Joseph Kahl.

Joyce’s family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Berlin Hospital and Appleton Theda Care Regional Memorial Center.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday July 22nd, 2017 at 11:00 am at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971 with the Rev. Michael Morning officiating. Friends and family may visit from 9 – 11:00 am at the church prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to her favorite charities: Immanuel United Methodist Church Music Program, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Samaritan’s Purse.



Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send on-line condolences.