July 17, 1941 ~ July 12, 2025
Joyce Elaine Weesies, 83, of Montague, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025. She was born July 17, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of John and Johanna (Schaafsma) Vanden Berg.
Joyce grew up in Grand Rapids with a younger sister and two younger brothers. She battled illnesses her entire life, including epilepsy, lupus, and later in life, dementia. While working at a furniture store, she met Larry Weesies' parents, who were shopping for a dinette set. Larry’s mom set them up by getting Joyce to write to Larry, who was in the military in Texas at the time. They were married on March 31, 1967. After a few years of marriage, Joyce and Larry had two sons, Jeff and Brad. When the boys were grown and out of the house, Joyce loved keeping the tradition her parents had of having all the family over for the holidays. There was always plenty of food, even when two tables and an addition on the house were needed to fit everyone.
Joyce moved up to Montague and assisted Larry, who was the secretary of Weesies Brothers Farms, Inc. She was very active in the New Era Christian Reformed Church. Joyce taught Sunday school, participated in coffee break, choir and the church library.
Joyce is survived by: her loving husband of 58 years, Larry; sons, Jeffrey (Pam) Weesies and Bradley (Colleen) Weesies; grandchildren, Jason (Samantha), Stephanie, Claire, Ian (Taylor), Joseph, Jacob and Abigail Weesies; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Magnolia Weesies; sister Linda (Raymond) Dennis; and brother Jack (Mary) Vanden Berg.
Joyce was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Johanna; and brother Ronald Vanden Berg.
A funeral service was conducted at noon, Saturday, July 19, 2025, at New Era Christian Reformed Church, 1820 Ray St., New Era, Michigan, 49446. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until the start of services on Saturday at the Church. Interment is in New Era Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: New Era Christian School, 1901 Oak Ave., New Era, MI 49446 or Jeff and Kristi Schmidt with Wycliffe Translators, https://www.wycliffe.org/donat....
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.
