Joyce Knapp Obituary
Joyce Knapp, age 97 passed away peacefully at home on December 8th. Joyce was born in Wausau in 1927 to Art Meuret and Emma (Janke) Meuret. She was the 5th of 10 children.
Joyce worked for 45 years as a clerk at Rib Mountain Hardware. She is remembered fondly by her former customers for her friendliness and in-depth knowledge of anything hardware related. Joyce is remembered by her family members as a sister/aunt who embodied her mother's loving nature. With the ability to love all with nonjudgemental understanding. Joyce used her extensive cookbook collection to pamper all who came through her door. One of her passions was physical fitness. She was known as the iron pumping grandma at Frank's Gym where she made many new, wonderful friends.
As a young widow Joyce raised her son alone until he left for the university, encouraging him to seek his own path in life.
She was loved and preceded in death by her husbands, Dorvin Tornow (1957), Reinhart Knapp (1980), Fred Knapp (2000), and Ralph Tidd (2022). Her parents Art and Emma Meuret: brothers Don, Gordy, and Wally. Sisters Bea, Dee, and Bev along with multiple nieces and nephews.
Joyce is survived by her son Wayne (Skip) Tornow (Sue Anne) - Harsens Island, Michigan, Grandsons David Tornow - Copper Mountain Colorado, Charles Tornow (Connie) - Waterford Michigan. Great grandchildren Adelaide, Lucas, and Theo. Family members Deb and Jim Dumdey - Kronenwetter , Shirl Meuret - Wausau, Jiggs Meuret (JoAnn) - Weston , Curly Meuret (Karen) - Wausau, Redda Meuret - Hatley and multiple nieces and nephews.
Many loving neighbors and special friends contributed to her ability to live independently in her own home.
A celebration of life will be held:
Helke Funeral Home - Thursday December 19th - 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Catholic Mass- Holy Name - Friday December 20th- Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 - Mass following, Fr Sam Martin officiating
Internment - Restlawn Cemetery - Monday December 23rd - 12:00PM
Pallbearers: Jim , Bob , Barry , & Gary Meuret. Charles & David Tornow
Special thanks to Deb Mitchell and Leslei Dickerson
Our eternal gratitude to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, what a great team.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
302 Spruce St, Wausau, WI 54401
People and places connected with Joyce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Knapp
Make a Donation
in Joyce Knapp's name
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Knapp's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
