Joyce A. Rudolph

Joyce Anne Rudolph, age 90, of Ripon, WI peacefully passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton, WI. Joyce was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life was a beautiful journey of love, service, and joy.

Joyce was born on January 23, 1935 in Mountain, WI, daughter of Orville and Gertrude (Bunn) Belongia. Born into a family that traveled across various cities in Wisconsin as her father pursued work opportunities, Joyce’s early years were filled with movement and discovery. It was during this time, after settling in Oconto, that she discovered her lifelong love of music and learned to play the piano—a gift she would share with many throughout her life.

In the fourth grade, Joyce’s family moved to Ripon, Wisconsin, the place she would forever call home. It was in Ripon that she built a life rooted in community, compassion, and purpose.

Joyce held many roles throughout her life, each one reflecting her vibrant spirit and dedication to others. She began as an A&W Car Hop and later worked at Patrick’s Women’s Wear. But it was her work with individuals with mental disabilities that brought her the greatest fulfillment. Inspired by the love for her daughter Vicki, Joyce found a profound sense of purpose in her roles as the Green Lake County Coordinator of Disabilities and later as CEO of the Ripon Area Service Center for 13 years. Joyce was a tireless advocate and compassionate leader, touching countless lives with her empathy and strength.

Joyce's dedication to her community extended far beyond her professional roles. She volunteered for 10 years at the Ripon Historical Society, where she passionately preserved and shared the rich history of the area. Her commitment to helping others was also evident in her 15 years of service at Ripon Hospital, where her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many patients and staff. Additionally, Joyce served on the board for Health and Human Services in Oconto County for 10 years, where she played a role in shaping policies and programs that improved the well-being of individuals. Joyce's unwavering dedication and selfless service left an indelible mark on her community.

While in high school, Joyce met her future life partner, Carleton “Buda” Rudolph. They were the epitome of high school romance, crowned as the king and queen of both homecoming and prom. On June 20, 1953, Joyce and Buda embarked on a lifelong journey together as they exchanged vows. Together, they raised four children and built a life filled with laughter and adventure. Summers were a special time spent with family at their cottage on Crooked Lake. In their golden years, Joyce and Buda retired to Crooked Lake, where Joyce enjoyed bartending at the Pines Supper Club and never missed a chance for a good “shake of the day.”

Joyce found joy in the simple pleasures of life: walking in the woods, playing cards and board games with family, indulging in chocolate, spending winters in Gulf Shores, and deer hunting with loved ones. Above all, she cherished her roles as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandma, and adoring great grandma. Though she is no longer with us, her loved ones will continue to feel her presence each day—through the laughter around a game table, the quiet of a forest walk, or the warmth of a shared memory—because she passed these joys and values on to all who knew and loved her.

Her legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Joyce is survived by her children, Debby (Bill) Brooks of Seymour, WI, Sheila (Jeff) Thomas of Ripon, WI, and Scott (Janet) Rudolph of Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Jessica Brooks, Ryan (Kandice) Brooks, Maggie (Jason) Thomas, and Nathan (Kathy) Thomas; great-grandchildren, Logan Brooks, Walker Uhlenbrauck, Devon (Ivy) Brooks, Aidan Brooks, and Sullivan Thomas; step-grandchildren, Ben (Stacey) Schiesser and Kevin (Jade) Schiesser; step-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Schiesser; sisters, Marge (Glen) Bach and Mary Sue Lukowski; and several nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vicki Rudolph; parents, Orville and Gertrude Belongia; and her loving husband, Carleton Rudolph.

Visitation for Joyce will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Joyce will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the funeral home, with Pastor Karin Derenne officiating. Inurnment will take place at Mountain Cemetery in Mountain, WI at a later date. Memorials in her name may be directed to Meadow Wood Assisted Living, 605 E. Bronson Rd., Seymour, WI 54165.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Meadow Wood, who became very dear to Joyce during the past year.