Joyce Gittleson

On Monday April 5, 2021, Joyce Gittleson passed away peacefully at the Harbor Club in Port Washington.

Joyce Annette (Furman) Gittleson was born Nov. 19, 1938, to Wendell and Carey Furman.

Joyce married Norman Gittleson on Jan. 15, 1959. Together they built their home in rural Franklin Grove, Ill.

Throughout her life she enjoyed the challenges of crossword and cryptogram puzzles, but a card game was always the high point.

Joyce was a member of the Franklin Grove Women’s Club.

Survivors include her children Lea (John) McFarland of Frankfort, Ill., Jean (Kevin) Lanser of Port Washington, Wis., Tom (Sandy) of Mississippi and Jerry (Dawn) of Mt Morris, Ill.

“Grandma Far Away” grandchildren include Kristen (Kent) Cunningham, Jenna (Jack) Baldwin, Erik and Evan Garcia  and Stacey, Aiden, Jordin, Serenity, Justin, Cody and Jamie Gittleson. Great-grandchildren include Will, Tess, Sylas, Piper, Penelope, Mike, Lily, Doug, Alec, Jade and Oien. 

Joyce is further survived by her sisters Carol Friestad, Doris (Wayne) Hardy and Kay Hanson; sister-in-law Alice Myers; and brothers Curt (Ruth) Loren, Wayne (Connie) and Wendell.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Norman, son Matthew and brother Keith. She was also preceded in death by her sister Rita and brother-in-law Malen and their son Joey; brother-in-law Wayne Friestad; nieces Lori Harris, Jean Porter and Chris Furman; and nephew Jay Friestad.

Per Joyce’s wishes, she was cremated at Eernisse Funeral Home. Her cremains will be returned to Rochelle, Ill., for burial alongside her husband Norman. 

A graveside service is scheduled for early May of this year. Pastor Hoffman of St. Paul Lutheran Church will preside. A celebration of Joyce’s life will also take place in the future.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Heartland Hospice.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.