Joyce Beverly Frei, age 90, of Whitehall, died on Monday, October 8, 2018 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Joyce was born on September 15, 1928 in Neillsville, the second child of Ellsworth "Al" and Frances "Toots" (Bergstrom) Shock.

Joyce grew up in Neillsville. She saw Edward John Frei stepping off the bus when he returned from World War II and she instantly knew he was the man she would marry. This is a story she would tell many times with a joyful smile on her face. On July 20, 1946 they married in Neillsville and a year later started a family. They made their home in Neillsville and Loyal, moving to Whitehall in the 1960's.

Joyce worked in the laundry department at the Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Whitehall for many years. After her retirement, Joyce worked at the nursing home. Joyce worked hard and also found time to enjoy life. She had a sassy sense of humor and enjoyed having a few beers at the tavern with her "Ed", family and friends. Joyce was a very generous soul and made everyone in her life feel special. Joyce's door was always open to loved ones and she had a soft spot for the underdog.

Joyce is survived by six children, Michael (Veronica) of Minonk, IL, Daniel, David (Sherry), Mary, Robert and Todd all of Whitehall; 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Nancy Brooks of Morris, IL; two sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Frei and Beverly "Georgianne" (Jim) Raine both of Neillsville as well as many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, on March 28, 2000; her brother and sister-in-law, Ellsworth "Junior" and Shirley Shock and in-laws, Dick Brooks, Leo and Marge Frei, Lucille and George Pagenkopf and Roseline and Norbert Noeldner.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in Saint John's Catholic Church with burial in the Lincoln Cemetery both in Whitehall. Father Woodrow Pace will officiate.

Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall where a Christian prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a parish rosary. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.