Joyce Ellen Fasig, born Joyce Ellen Young on June 22, 1942, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 8, 2026.

Joyce was born in Lebanon, Indiana, and shortly afterward moved with her family to Martinsville, Illinois, where she grew up and attended school through high school. It was there, in those lively high‑school years, that she met John Fasig—the captain of the football team—while she herself shined on the sidelines as a spirited cheerleader. Their paths crossed under Friday‑night lights, and from those early moments, a quiet spark grew into a deep and lasting love. John would become, without question, the love of her life.

Joyce married John in 1960, just one day before her 18th birthday, beginning a partnership that would span 63 wonderful years. They started their life together in Sandwich, Illinois, where John worked for Caterpillar and the couple built the foundation of their young family. It was there that they welcomed their three children—Julie, Janice, and John—filling their home with the joy, energy, and love that would define their life together.

The family lived in Sandwich until John was transferred to the Caterpillar plant in Davenport, Iowa. They purchased a home in Eldridge, Iowa, where they lived until 1982, when John accepted an opportunity to work at the Caterpillar facility in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Joyce embraced life overseas and especially enjoyed the lifestyle and friendships it brought. While living in Jakarta, she was an active member of the American Club, where she made many close friends. She loved entertaining and was known for hosting gatherings, parties, and events, welcoming both longtime friends and visitors from home. After their time in Jakarta, the couple lived in Bangalore, India, for two years before returning to the United States when John moved to Peoria to finish his career with Caterpillar.

Following John’s retirement, Joyce and John built a home in Martinsville, where they had both grown up. Their property became a gathering place for friends and family, hosting many reunions, bean suppers, and events. Joyce was always planning the next gathering and loved having people around.

Later in life, Joyce and John purchased a winter home at Green Gate Grove in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where they became active members of their community. Joyce served as the director of activities for several years and was well known around the park as the “queen” of the swimming pool and hot tub. She could often be found driving her golf cart around the neighborhood, waving and stopping to talk with everyone she saw. Joyce and John were even named King and Queen of the park and participated in the Rio Grande Valley parade, an experience that became one of the highlights of their time there.

As their health declined, Joyce and John eventually sold their property and downsized. They lived full-time in Texas until 2022, when they moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to be closer to their grandchildren. They settled into Woodstone Senior Living, a wonderful assisted living community where they were happy and very well loved.

Joyce was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Jeremiah Costello, Jason Kennedy, Kyle Costello, Cameron Costello, Austin Millican, Jessica Letner, and June Fasig. She was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren.

Joyce loved Elvis, margaritas, and anything that brought her close to the water. She found joy in fishing, swimming, and cheering on her favorite basketball teams, and she was always eager for a road trip or ready to plan the next adventure. Her outgoing personality and natural gift for hosting made her the heart of every gathering, helping her build lasting friendships everywhere she lived.

Joyce will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of bringing people together, and the countless friendships she nurtured throughout her life. A celebration of her life will be held at 3PM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Woodstone Senior Living in Rice Lake, WI.

Last Update: Mar 12, 2026 9:05 am CDT