Joyce Elaine Wiewandt Gerken Burkett, 81, was peacefully taken into the loving arms of Jesus at 1:40 AM, Thursday, October 20, 2011 with her daughter and son-in-law at her side.
She was born on February 2, 1930 to John and Bess (Witt) Wiewandt, in Fremont, Ohio.
As a young child she tap danced on stage and was called Fremont’s own Shirley temple. She attended Croghan Elementary School and graduated from Fremont Ross High School, Class of 1948, where she was a member of the Brahm’s Choral Group. She was married to the late Frederick H. Gerken and had a daughter, Marcia Gerken Geyer who survives along with her husband Allan. Joyce graduated from Bowling Green State University and taught first grade at Washington Twp. School in Lindsey, Ohio. She later substituted for K – 12 at many schools in northwest Ohio.
She owned the Fremont Accordion Studio and taught accordion for many years. Until the past several years, she had been a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio. At St. John’s she was president and a member of the Dorcas Society and also a member of the Altar Guild. Since 2008 she has been a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church of Marion, Ohio. She was a 62-year member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Fremont Chapter 133, and was Past Worthy Matron. She was a 69-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Thurston Zwir Post 121, Fremont, president and member of the Croghan Garden Club, member of the Ohio Education Association and a member of the Nifty-Fifty Card Club.
She wintered in St. Petersburg, Florida for 25 years and had been on three shuffleboard teams, being captain of two of them.
She had been married to the late Benjamin J. Burkett who proceeded her in passing in October 1981. She was also preceded in passing by close friend Russell Peters. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, many wonderful friends and “like-daughters” Sue Kauffman, Sue Timmons and Sandra Becker, and her much loved kitty, Susie. She was Nana to Cori and Lauren Ross of California.
Joyce was a worldwide traveler and had traveled in each of our 50 states. Any day was a good day to get out for a car ride, blizzard or not!
A special thank you to Pastor Mark Schuring, AIM Kevin Kehn, Marion General Hospice and to all her special family at Kingston Residence of Marion and for all their special love and care.
Calling hours will 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM on Thursday, October 27th in the sanctuary at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 South Prospect Street, Marion, Ohio. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, October 28th at the church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Fremont, Ohio at 3 PM on Friday, October 28th.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are being made by Boyd-Born Funeral Home, Marion, Ohio.
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