Joyce Boeckmann Mildred

1934 - 2024

Joyce Boeckmann Mildred

Sept. 25, 1934 - April 20, 2024

LA GRANGE PARK - Joyce Boeckmann Mildred (nee Wessels), 89, formerly of Bloomington, IL, and Fairbury, IL, passed away on April 20, 2024.

Joyce was born on September 25, 1934, in Fairbury. She married Hermann (Herm) Boeckmann on June 10, 1956, who preceded her in death on June 20, 1971. Joyce and Herm met while attending college in Normal, IL, and had three children, Julie, Eric and Beth. She married Joe Mildred on July 26, 1986. He preceded her in death on August 24, 2019. She graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School in 1952 and was a 1956 graduate of Illinois State Normal University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in physical education.

Joyce will be remembered for her quick wit, warmth, generosity and most of all, her love of family and friends. She had an incredible memory, especially when it came to family history. She was always there with a listening ear, sage advice or funny wise crack.

Joyce loved sports (especially the St. Louis Cardinals) and was employed by the Illinois High School Association for 28 years until her retirement in 2001. She was known for her laser sharp memory of Illinois high school championships (and school mascots and their local zip codes). She was once quoted by ESPN magazine when they contacted the IHSA about the origins of the term "March Madness."

Joyce had a heart that cared deeply about others, especially those with special needs. This led to a volunteer involvement she helped create working with the McLean County Public Guardian, assisting clients in long-term care facilities. When widowed at a young age, Joyce gave new meaning to the words bravery and resourcefulness while raising her three children.

Surviving children include: Julie (Patrick) Kelly of LaGrange, IL, Eric Boeckmann (Lizabeth) of LaGrange, IL, Beth McLawhorn of Western Springs, IL; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Emily) Kelly of Ft. Collins. CO, Katelyn (Kristopher) Williams of Denver, CO, Pierce McLawhorn of Seattle, WA; Will McLawhorn of Redlands, CA; Harry McLawhorn and Charlie McLawhorn of Western Springs, IL, Max and Hannah Boeckmann of LaGrange, IL; great-grandchildren: Grace, Vivian and Benjamin Kelly; many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Survivors also include: Ann (Michel) Gontard of Paris, France, and grandchildren: Nicolas Gontard and Sophie Gontard, both of Paris.

Joyce was preceded in death by son-in-law, Todd L. McLawhorn; brother, Warren K. Wessels; and twin brother, John E. Wessels.

Memorials may be made to The Prairie Lands Foundation, 104 E Locust St., Fairbury. IL. 61739; or The Fairbury Community Food Pantry, 200 E. Maple St., Fairbury. IL. 61739.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Plymouth Place, 315 N La Grange Rd., La Grange Park, IL. The celebration will take place in Dole Hall from 3:00 - 6:00 PM.