Joyce M. "Ebben" Unker

Joyce M Unker, age 85, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025.

She loved her large family and many friends. She explored her passions and hobbies with vigor, and her positivity exuded an optimism that was full of hope and encouragement. She leaves a great legacy of service to God as she blessed scores of people in countless, everyday ways throughout her life.

Her delight in her garden (especially flowers) was heartwarming, as she took great pride in her tidy landscape and flowering plants. Her summer events playing golf with her sisters and vacationing with her siblings at their lake homes always gave her much joy, as did her Tuesdays with Audrey. A lifelong learner, Joyce had a passion for reading and was conversant in a vast array of topics. Her crocheted creations were treasured by many. An avid Green Bay Packer fan, she could boast attending the infamous Ice Bowl, as well as a recent Christmas Day game with her grandchild.

As the daughter of Arthur and Agnes Ebben, she was born June 23rd, 1940, in Little Chute, WI and lived in the surrounding area her entire life. Her early childhood was spent with her siblings on her parents' farm. At the age of 13, Joyce made the decision to enter the convent, joining the order of the Racine Dominicans. After serving God as a professed nun for three years, she felt a more compelling calling and left the convent, ultimately to care for six small children whose mother had passed away suddenly.

Several years later, Joyce married their father, Thomas D Unker. She wrote 'they were blessed to be married for 46 years before his passing in 2016 at the age of 88.' Joyce was devoted to her role as wife and mother. Near the end of her life, she noted 'I always felt this role was a special gift from God and one I cherished dearly. I am the lucky one to be so blessed. My love for them is unconditional.'

Joyce's professional path reflected another deep calling: the education and support of children with special needs. She earned her master's degree in special education for emotionally disturbed children and dedicated over 30 years to this work. Even after retirement, she continued to mentor and uplift others, touching scores of lives with her compassion and expertise.

Joyce is survived by her six children and their families: sisters Joan Effa, Pat (Jim) Albright, Carmen (Bruce) Janssen, brothers Gene (Margie) Ebben, Greg (Sally) Ebben, sister-in-law Ellen Ebben and many nieces, nephews and cousins; and beloved 'adopted sister' Audrey.

She is predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, one sister, Charla Mae and her husband Don Reader, and one brother, Arthur and his two sons, Andrew and AJ, brother-in-law Jim Effa and Aunt Martha Vanden Boogart.

Joyce's wishes were to have private celebrations of her life and true to her desires, many are taking place by loved ones all over the country.

Lyndahl Funeral Home is assisting the family.

A special thank you for the wonderful care Joyce received from the staff at Unity Hospice.