Joyce Marie Blyton

1957-2024

Joyce Marie Blyton, a constant source of love and guidance, at 67, passed away on Dec. 3, 2024 at her home in the Village of Spencer. Born to Harvey and Rose (Bauer) Blyton on Jan. 26, 1957, in Wausau, Joyce’s life was a testament to her loving, independent, and curious nature. Her radiant spirit and unwavering determination touched many people, especially her coworkers and the children she worked so hard to help.

She was a proud graduate of Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School. Her passion for learning, teaching and helping others led her to UW-Marathon County and then to UW-Stevens Point, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Joyce’s calling as a Speech and Language Pathologist allowed her to make a significant impact on countless lives.

For nearly five decades, she dedicated herself to the well-being of others, especially those with special needs through her work with Wausau Hospital Neuro-Developmental Clinic, Marathon County Special Education, and Spencer Public Schools. She had a unique ability to help kids make improvements and reach goals due to her lifelong love of play. She was successful because she was always a big kid at heart.

Joyce’s love for her community was matched only by her love of her family. She was married to John Gunderson, and from this albeit short lived union, they were blessed with a son, Aaron Gunderson of Spencer, who will forever hold his mother’s memory in his heart. She is also survived by many cousins who she would speak of as if they were her siblings. Joyce’s parents, Harvey and Rose Blyton, preceded her in death.

Joyce’s zest for life was apparent in her many interests. She had a special place in her heart for children, always striving to make things better and guiding those around her with wisdom and persistence. Her gardening was a place where she found tranquility and joy passed down to her from her mother and reflecting her own nurturing soul. Joyce found comfort in the simple pleasures of watching movies and discussing them and the companionship of animals, which brought her immeasurable happiness. Oreo probably misses her most of all.

As we bid farewell to Joyce, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on the world. Her legacy of love, service, and dogged determination will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. In our lives we all strive to find our purpose and know that in her life Joyce found hers and knew what she was put on this earth to do and gave it everything she had every single opportunity.

Joyce’s arrangements are entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Memorial Services to celebrate her extraordinary life will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Life Tributes Funeral Home, 901 South LaSalle Street, Spencer, WI 54479 and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home, 445 Main Street, Birnamwood, WI 54414, where family and friends will be able to share stories and memories about Joyce. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.

Joyce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and her spirit will continue to guide us, just as it did throughout her remarkable life. She touched many lives but was the mother to only one…and she is sorely missed.

This quotation was found on her desk, and it feels like a final message from her. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Paid Obituary 165786