×

Joyce E. Butsic

Joyce E. Butsic

KINGSFORD — Joyce E. Butsic, 89, of Kingsford, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2019, at the home that she and her husband Andy built 67 years ago. Joyce was born Feb. 2, 1930, in Breitung Township, daughter of John and Letha (Guthrie) Kanska.

She was a lifelong resident of this area and a 1948 graduate of Kingsford High School. Joyce married Andrew Butsic on Sept. 30, 1950, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford.

Joyce was very active in her community. In 1956, she joined the Extension Homemakers/Michigan Association for Family and Community Education (FCA). For the next 60 years, she was an active member and leader in FCA. In 1989, she was the “Volunteer of The Year,” and in 2000, she was awarded the “Homemaker of The Year.”

Being a part of the Dickinson County Fair Board was one of Joyce’s favorite volunteer activities. She spent many Labor Day weekends working, listening to music and trying new foods at the fair. Joyce also worked at the voting polls in East Kingsford and volunteered at the VA hospital for many years.

Joyce loved quilting and crafting. She was a talented hand-quilter, who shared her skills at Camp Molinare craft weekends. She made many close quilting friends. Dancing was also a favorite activity and brought her much joy. She belonged to the Kickers Line Dancing group that often performed at nursing homes around the community and she especially loved to go the senior dance events where she met many friends, including her special friend, Stephen Major.

Another favorite activity of Joyce’s was going out for ethnic foods, especially with her friend, Veronica Roberts. In her last few years, Joyce slowed down but she still enjoyed her quilting group and playing cards on Friday, especially when she beat the “Big Boys!”

Joyce is survived by her two sons, William “Bill” (Jane) Butsic of Menomonie, Wis., and David (Camille) Butsic of Iron Mountain; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Butsic of Greenville, Mich.; four grandchildren, Emily (Bryan) Mercer, Van (Lindsey Selden) Butsic, Eric Butsic and Celeste Butsic; two great-grandchildren, Will and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; her son, Lawrence; sisters, Edna Nash, Betty Hallman, Norma Price; and brother, Gerald Kanska.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 22 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Funeral Services will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Father Joseph Gouin will officiate.

Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joyce E. Butsic online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.