Joyce Henrich

Joyce L. Henrich, age 90, of Merrill, entered into eternal life on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, while under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services.  She was born on August 27, 1929 to the late Henry and Martha (Schepp) Schneider in the town of Pine River.  Joyce attended and graduated from Merrill High School and went on to take 2 more years of education in Milwaukee.  She met the love of her life, Kenneth Henrich, and the two exchanged marriage vows on May 23, 1959 in Merrill.  Sadly, Ken preceded her in death in January of 1992.

Joyce grew up on the family farm in the town of Scott.  She worked as a bookkeeper for many years, at businesses such as Merrill Candy and the local 5 & dime. Joyce and her family ran Ken’s Corner Tavern, now known as Ed & Sharon’s.   She was also the treasurer for the Pine River for many years.  Joyce is remembered as a strong woman with an incredible work ethic, not to mention often referring to herself as a “block-headed Schneider”!  Family was first and foremost in her life and she was a full-time wife, mother and grandmother.  In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed knitting scarves for family and friends.  Her nieces and nephews loved calling her “grandma Joyce”.  She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Joyce is survived by her son: Jeff (Caryn) Henrich and daughter: Jeri Lynn Blaise, both of Merrill, granddaughter: Bonnie Blaise and brother: Ronald (Shirley) Schneider, both of Merrill, as well as her sister: Judith (Gerald) Moeck of Woodruff and she is remembered as “grandma Joyce” to her nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Ken, grandson: Andrew Blaise, son-in-law: David Blaise, brother: Lloyd Schneider and sister-in-law: Dorothy Schneider.

A Remembrance Ceremony for Joyce will be held at a later date.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC.  Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website.  Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.