Joyce I. Peterson, age 65, died Friday, February 13, 2009 at Appleton Medical Center after a 5 1/2 year courageous battle with ovarian cancer. 

She was born August 6, 1943 in Fort Riley, KS to the late Nick and Lorraine (Poole) Sapkaris.  Her family moved to Arkansas in 1954 and she graduated from Mabelvale High School in 1961. 

Following graduation, she moved to Clintonville and was employed by Hansen Glove Factory.  Joyce married Marvin K. Peterson on September 1, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in the town of Bear Creek. 

She stayed home and raised her four daughters. Joyce then worked for Crest International until November, 1990.  She served on the Entertainment Committee for the Operating Engineer Retirement Union.  Joyce enjoyed sewing with her friends and making porcelain dolls. 

Joyce is survived by her husband of 46 years, Marvin; four daughters:  Deanna (Dan) Vanden Heuvel, Kimberly; Michele (Stephen) Daniels, Greenville; Nicole (Todd) Driessen, Kaukauna; and Chantay Peterson, Appleton; 6 grandchildren:  Danielle and Denae Vanden Heuvel, Brianna and Kaylee Daniels, Chase and Saylor Driessen; sister: Patsy (Ray) Price; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Elaine Lahti, Ramona Splitt, Janice (Jerry) Schroeder and Gary (Kathy) Peterson. 

She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.  In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by sisters and brothers-in-law: Virginia (Edwin) Splitt, Leon Peterson, Rueben Peterson, Jack Lahti and Orville Splitt: and 2 nephews.

Visitation will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church (N8728 Coop Rd. Menasha) on Monday, February 16, 2009 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and again Tuesday, February 17, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Virgil Hanson will officiate.  Committal Highland Memorial.  For on-line condolences, please visit www.oconnellfuneralservices.com. 

The family would like to thank the staff at the Martha Selkman Cancer Center and Appleton Medical Center for their care.