Joye K. Kuhlka

    Joye Karen Kuhlka, formerly of Nekoosa, passed away April 23, 2024, at her home in the Town of Jacksonport with her grandson Jacob at her side. Joye was born on January 31, 1939, to Robert and Emma Hofer of Babcock. She attended Babcock and Pittsville Schools, graduating from Pittsville High School in 1956 and UW-Stevens Point in 1960.

    She married Douglas Kuhlka at the Babcock Congregational Church on July 2, 1960. Joye was an English and Reading Teacher, starting out her career at Westfield, followed by 39 years with the Nekoosa Public Schools. Joye was an organist and choir accompanist for the Nekoosa UCC for 45 years, beginning playing at the Babcock church at an early age. She entertained at the keyboard, piano, organ, Clavinova, and calliope. She was a member of Rainbow Chapter #87, Order of the Eastern Star, Wisconsin Rapids for many years, and after her move to Door County the organist for Honor Chapter #1 OES Sturgeon Bay, WI. Joye was appointed Grand Organist of Wisconsin for the Eastern Star for 2006-07 and also 2010-11. It was a true honor for her, and she thoroughly enjoyed it, with “the world’s best husband” as her escort.

    Joye loved reading, music, and people. Family and friends were an important part of her life. After retirement, she went to school on a regular basis doing volunteer work and reading to students. After moving to Egg Harbor in 2019, she kept busy doing a show on Facebook called “Joyeous Fingers”, which began in 2020 when the pandemic hit. She continued playing the Clavinova on the show until March 29, 2024, and was giving piano lessons to her granddaughter, Hattie.

    Survivors include her daughter, Marjo Lyn Tesnow; her son-in-law, Mark Tesnow; grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) Mueller, Kuper Tesnow, Hattie Tesnow; bonus grands, George (Megan) Bartelt and Saxon (Alyssa) Bartelt; and bonus great-grands, Lilah and Emma. She is further survived by several nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, Kenneth (Shirley) Kuhlka and sister-in-law, Juanita Szybski.

    She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Doug; parents, Bob and Emma Hofer, and Otto and Lauretta Kuhlka, and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

    Funeral services will be held at the Nekoosa United Church of Christ on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Wanda Veldman officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

    Sign online guest register, offer condolences, share memories and pictures at Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa. Huehns Funeral Home and Door County Crematory LLC assisted the family.

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