Joyce J. Vanek, 86, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at
Ellsworth Good Samaritan Society in Ellsworth, Kansas. She was born on
August 12, 1934 to Joseph and Elma (Heinze) Adamek in Ellsworth. Joyce
was a 1952 graduate of Wilson High School and attended Brown Mackie
Business College for one year earning her certificate as a business
secretary. She was united in marriage to Kay K. Vanek on December 11,
1954 in Wilson, Kansas. She was a loving and devoted farmwife and
homemaker.
Joyce was a member of the Wilson American Legion Ladies Auxiliary,
Women of the ELCA, and the Sunflower Polka Club where she served as a
past president. She enjoyed growing flowers and cooking. Joyce also
enjoyed singing and dancing; she and Kay were exceptional dancers and
were often the highlight at wedding and polka dances. Joyce had
exceptional crocheting and sewing skills. She made many dresses for her
daughters and Kay’s suit coats.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Jack Vanek and significant
other Tina Johnson of Holyrood, KS; daughters, Kayanne Meitler of
Wilson, Nancy Kratky and husband Gary of Rural Wilson, Susan Benisch and
husband Tim of Quinter, KS, and Betty Bierwirth and John of Eaton, CO;
sister, Judy Vian of Hays, KS; 14 grandchildren, Mitch Hladek, Kelsey
(Chris) McKenna, Eric (Shannon) Kratky, Ben (Jenna) Kratky, Jamie
(Matthew Jones) Kratky, Ross (Amy) Benisch, Kirby (Kelsey) Benisch, Abby
(Bill Stewart) Benisch, Nadiah Bierwirth, Yasmeen Bierwirth, Ryan
Bierwirth, Noah Bierwirth, Abraham Vanek, and Gabriel Vanek; 10
great-grandchildren, Joseph Kratky, Jacob Kratky, Tai McKenna, Patrick
McKenna, Cael Betts, Kimber Stewart, Trey Benisch, Alivia Benisch,
Addisyn Benisch, and Axton Bierwirth.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elma; husband, Kay; and sister, Joann Miller.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, December 14,
2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson, KS. Visitation will be held
on Sunday 4:00PM until 8:00PM at the funeral home in Wilson; and at the
church on Monday from 9:00AM until service time.
Memorials are suggested to Wilson Immanuel Lutheran Church or Wilson
American Legion Auxiliary. Condolences may be left for the family at
www.plumeroverlease.com