Joyce Vivian Peters, 86 years young, passed away with peace and grace in her home surrounded by her loving husband, five daughters and other close family members. She was born on February 24, 1931 in Polar, a daughter of the late Joseph and Bernice “Peg” (Stuempges) Hanke. Joyce grew up on the banks of the Lily River in Lily, WI where she helped on the family mink ranch, learned to love nature and enjoyed many outdoor activities.

She attended Lily Grade School and graduated from White Lake High School. On June 17, 1950 she married James “Ken” Peters at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva and the couple moved to Langlade where they raised five daughters.

Joyce was an active member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and Wolf River Ski Belles. She was a 4-H Leader and volunteered for many community activities.

She was an avid downhill and cross-country skier and spent countless hours teaching her girls to master the slopes at Kettle Bowl Ski hill and inspired her friends to ski the ungroomed cross country wilderness trails. Joyce competed in several cross country ski races and her biggest feat was completing the Birkebeiner Korteloppet at age 55. She also skied many resorts in the West. She loved country swing dancing with Ken, sewing for her daughters and grandchildren, quilting, baking sweets, tending her flower gardens and power walking in the early hours of the morning. She traveled throughout the U.S. and made several trips to Europe and Mexico.

In 2007 Joyce and Ken sold their home in Langlade and moved to Tucson, Arizona where she enjoyed many activities such as golf, Red Hats, Tai Chi, hiking Little Cat Mountain and sightseeing. In 2016 they returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family.

Her ability to make friends was her special gift. Joyce’s warm smile, engaging personality and kind compliments led to many new friendships of all ages and in many places.

Survivors include her husband, Ken of Antigo; five daughters, Colleen (Alan) Peters of Ladysmith, Mary Jo (Patrick) Peters of Langlade, Cindy (Tim) Lawson of San Clemente, CA, Susan Peters of Elmwood Park, IL and Jamee (Stephanie) Peters of Langlade; five grandchildren, Alivia, Corey, Andrew, Hannah and Benjamin; three sisters, Joan Cook of Antigo, Jane Jackson of Pickerel, Judy (Victor) Skaleski of Green Bay. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Langlade with Rev. David Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Memorials in Joyce’s name may be directed to Sts. James and Stanislaus Parish, White Lake Area Historical Society or LeRoyer Hospice.