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Winona,
Joyce L. Leppanen, 88, a former resident of Winona, passed away Friday, May 24, 2019, at the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital where she had been a resident in the long-term care unit.
She was born on September 20, 1930, in Greenland, MI, the first-born child of the late Willard and Nellie (Rogers) Coffey. Joyce was a graduate of the Mass High School with the class of 1948.
On January 15, 1955, she was united in marriage to her lifelong love and companion, Wilbert Leppanen. Together they raised seven children; Susie Leppanen of FL, Billy (Dana) of Minnesota, Judy (Michael Welch) of FL, Kathy (Rick) Millspaugh of FL, Patti (Bill) Witt of Bruce Crossing, Laurie (Jerry) Hiltunen of Paavola and Greg of FL; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her Coffey brothers and their wives; Butch (Susie) of L’anse, Timer (Linda), Teddy (Cheryl), and Tommy (Sue) all of Greenland. Her cousin Etta Guilbault of Greenland whom Mom always said was more like a sister than a cousin. Numerous special nieces and nephews.
Joyce was very active in the church and community. She served as the Elm River Twp. Clerk for 25 years. Joyce loved to knit and bake and was great at both. Most importantly, she adored her family and they adored her.
She was preceded in death by Wilbert, her parents, her sister, Lois, and her granddaughter, Tanya.
Funeral services for Joyce will be held 2 pm Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the First Lutheran Church of Winona with Rev. Jay Welshonse to officiate. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery of Winona.
Friends may call on Sunday, June 2, 2019, from 1:00 pm until time of services at First Lutheran Church of Winona. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her memory to the First Lutheran Church of Winona.
To view Joyce’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements
