Joyce Mae Cook

Joyce M. Cook, 75, Mosinee, died peacefully on March 31, 2025, at Marshfield Medical Center, Palliative Care Unit, with her daughters by her side.

She was born on April 14, 1949, in Wausau, WI. She resided in Mosinee her entire life.

Joyce attended school in Mosinee, graduating from Mosinee High School in 1967. She mentioned many times how her high school years were the best and she had the most fun. She made lifelong friends there. The group of friends would be known as the “Birthday Club” and since graduation they would get together for each other’s birthdays.

After graduation, she began her career at Employer’s Insurance, later renamed Wausau Insurance Company. Joyce worked there for 36 years until her retirement in 2007. She made many lifelong friends there. Her favorite memories of working there were when they would wrap gifts for the Children’s Christmas party – she said that was so much fun. She loved taking her children and then many years later her grandchildren to the party. She started volunteering as an usher at the Grand Theater for the Wausau Insurance “Variety Show”. Joyce really enjoyed this and continued to do so as a regular usher at the Grand Theater for many years.

Joyce was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mosinee. She had a strong faith and was ready to meet her Savior. Joyce served on the Altar Guild at church for the better part of 30 years and she cleaned the church for 16 years.

Joyce was all about family. She dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She traveled to school concerts, plays, dance recitals, and sporting events for her grandchildren, making sure to keep it even between all of them.

She is survived by her daughters Victoria (Kyle) Olund, Mosinee, Reneé (Patrick) Rusch, Sheboygan, grandchildren; Amber (Tim) Mulrooney, Merrill, Makenna (Tate) Zynda, Kaylee (Damien Bryant) Olund, Alex (Livvie Ruenger) Olund, Mosinee, Nicholas (Tori) Cook, Douglasville, GA, Brittany (Philip) Gruber, Wisconsin Rapids, Jeremy Rusch, Sheboygan. Great grandchildren; Irelyn, Addilyn & Aislyn, Louis & Iris, Adrian, Sunshine, and Esme. Sisters; Tina (Rich) Maciejewski and Patricia Sparby. Many cousins, nieces and nephews and her furry companion Samson “Sammie”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin O. and Agnes G. Sparby, Mosinee. Other than her parents she was preceded in death by her former spouse, Colin Cook, Weston.

Joyce lived life on her own terms. She was fiercely independent, resilient, and had the Norwegian stubbornness, but also had the kindest heart and would do anything for anyone.

She is dearly loved by her family and friends and will be missed. The family wishes to thank the Marshfield Medical Center Palliative Care Team. Their incredible compassion and kindness shown to our mother and family over the last few days was incredible.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Andrew Ewald will officiate. Burial will take place in Mosinee Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, April 7, from 4:00 P.M., until 7:00 P.M., at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. Visitation will begin again on Tuesday, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service, at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.